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

A petition before Canada's House of Commons has garnered over 170,000 signatures, exceeding the threshold for discussion and indicating discontent with US President Donald Trump's policies. The petition calls for the expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, citing his public statements that allegedly undermine Canada-US diplomatic relations, including remarks about Canada becoming the "51st" US state and accusations of Canadian interference in US elections. It also references reported ties between Hoekstra and a separatist movement. The petition demands Hoekstra be declared persona non grata, cross-border talks on his conduct, and a parliamentary review of US diplomatic interference. The effort, authorized by Green Party leader Elizabeth May, highlights a significant decline in Canadian views of the US as a reliable partner, exacerbated by recent US tariff policies and trade disputes.

Thousands of Canadians are calling for the expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra due to accusations of diplomatic interference. An online petition, which has garnered over 60,000 signatures, cites several instances of his actions as reasons for concern. These include a dispute with Ontario's trade representative, reposting comments about Canada becoming the 51st state, and inviting a Freedom Convoy leader to an official event. Hoekstra has also described some Canadian political rhetoric as "anti-American" and expressed frustration over the removal of US alcohol from store shelves. Green Party leader Elizabeth May will table the petition in parliament later this year, as required by parliamentary procedure once it reaches 500 signatures.