An official Canadian petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has attracted more than 170,000 signatures, putting the issue on track to be raised in the House of Commons.
The petition, introduced on July 21, accuses Hoekstra of repeatedly making public remarks that have undermined Canada-U.S. diplomatic relations. It cites his defence of U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the “51st state,” as well as his criticism of Canadian officials over Ontario-funded advertisements opposing U.S. tariffs. The petition also raises concerns about reported connections involving Alberta separatist activists, though Hoekstra has denied that the Trump administration has ties to the separatist movement.
Among its demands, the petition calls on the House of Commons to declare Hoekstra “persona non grata” and request his removal as U.S. ambassador. It also seeks Canada-U.S. discussions over what it describes as conduct inconsistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and asks for a parliamentary committee to examine alleged U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs.
The petition was initiated by Calgary resident Leanne Walker and authorized by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. With more than 171,000 signatures reported as of Saturday, it has significantly exceeded the 500 signatures required for an official House of Commons petition to proceed.
Under Canada’s parliamentary petition process, petitions meeting the required threshold can be presented in the House of Commons, after which the federal government is required to provide an official response within 45 days. The campaign comes amid continuing tensions between Canada and the Trump administration over tariffs, sovereignty-related rhetoric and broader bilateral relations.
