Canadian petition to expel US ambassador gains over 170,000 signatures

A petition demanding the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador to Canada has surged past 170,000 signatures, far exceeding the 500 needed for parliamentary discussion. The initiative highlights growing discontent in Canada with the Trump administration's policies and actions.

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repeatedly making public statements undermining Canada-US diplomatic relations

The petition specifically accuses Ambassador Pete Hoekstra of "repeatedly making public statements undermining Canada-US diplomatic relations." It cites his defense of Trump's remarks about making Canada the "51st" U.S. state and his accusations of Canadian interference in U.S. elections. Hoekstra's past comments, made in response to Canadian government ads criticizing U.S. tariffs, are also mentioned, along with reported ties to a separatist movement founder, which Hoekstra has denied.

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expect that there will be no consequences or reaction

The petition calls on the House of Commons to declare Hoekstra "persona non grata" and request his removal. It also pushes for cross-border talks regarding Hoekstra's conduct, which allegedly violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Furthermore, it demands a parliamentary committee review of alleged U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs.

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formally declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata and request his removal as US Ambassador to Canada

Authorized by Green Party leader Elizabeth May and put forward by a Calgary resident, the petition was introduced on July 21 and can remain open for 120 days. While it requires an official response from the House of Commons within 45 days, the petition itself is non-binding, and its ultimate impact remains uncertain.

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the pattern of conduct by Ambassador Hoekstra inconsistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations