Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the expulsion of Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, citing actions that undermine diplomatic relations between the two countries. The petition, initiated online and soon to be presented in the House of Commons, calls for Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and for the Canadian government to seek his removal.

The petition, spearheaded by a Calgary resident, highlights concerns over Hoekstra’s statements that allegedly interfere with Canadian politics and disrupt the Canada-U.S. relationship. It also demands a parliamentary review of U.S. diplomatic involvement in Canadian affairs. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament, emphasizing that MPs can table petitions without endorsing their content.

Hoekstra stirred controversy by suggesting that Canada’s annexation by the U.S. would be a valid discussion topic between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump. His remarks have drawn criticism, with concerns raised about his handling of bilateral relations. In response to challenges from Canadian journalists, Hoekstra defended his duty to represent the president’s viewpoints.

Regarding the petition, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged its awareness but refrained from commenting. The declaration of persona non grata, as outlined in the UN’s Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, provides a mechanism to revoke diplomatic immunity and expel an individual from the host country.

Recent expulsions by Canada have targeted diplomats from China and India over allegations of foreign interference. In the case of China, diplomat Zhao Wei was expelled in 2023 for reportedly targeting a Canadian MP. Furthermore, Canada expelled several Indian officials following RCMP accusations of their involvement in activities against Canadian citizens. These actions underscore the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and addressing concerns of external interference.