A large number of Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, due to his alleged interference in Canadian affairs. The online petition, soon to be presented in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from his position. Over 60,000 individuals have already endorsed the petition, criticizing Hoekstra for actions that they claim undermine the diplomatic relationship between Canada and the U.S.
The petition, initiated by a resident of Calgary, will be submitted to Parliament by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. It also suggests that a parliamentary committee investigate U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian matters. Additionally, the petition accuses Hoekstra of normalizing the idea of the U.S. annexing Canada, referencing his previous controversial statements regarding annexation discussions between the U.S. President and the Canadian Prime Minister.
Past expulsions of diplomats by Canada, notably those of Chinese and Indian representatives over allegations of interference, are cited as precedents. In recent years, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat for reportedly targeting a Member of Parliament and later removed several Indian diplomats following accusations of involvement in campaigns against Canadian citizens. These incidents highlight the significance of maintaining diplomatic relations and addressing foreign influence concerns.