In brief
A mass petition in Ottawa has called for the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, citing his repeated interventions in Canadian politics and support for Donald Trump’s trade policies. The online surge—over 60,000 signatures—accuses Hoekstra of normalizing the idea of Canada becoming the U.S.’s 51st state and of troubling Canadian diplomatic relations. The petition will be formally presented in Parliament by Green Party leader Elizabeth May, who insists on sponsoring citizen‑driven initiatives. Canada faces an imminent 50‑percent tariff on the U.S. goods it currently imports, while Canadian officials seek to negotiate a trade settlement before the new duty begins.
More than 60,000 Canadians have signed an online petition demanding that U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra be expelled from Ottawa. The petition accuses Hoekstra of repeatedly interfering in Canadian politics and of normalising the notion that Canada could become the U.S. “51st state.”
Hoekstra, a Republican and Trump ally, has defended U.S. trade policies and has frequently posted Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. His actions have led to a public feud with Ontario’s trade representative and criticism over inviting a Freedom Convoy leader to a July 4th ceremony.
The U.S. embassy acknowledged awareness of the petition but said it would not comment further. Canada and the U.S. are now in a tight period of trade negotiations, hoping to avoid the U.S. imposing a 50‑percent tariff on $20–28 billion of Canadian goods next week.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the new tariffs could be a response to U.S. trade retaliations, while Ottawa’s negotiators are pursuing a quick interim deal. The petition must be authorized by a Member of Parliament; upon receiving 500 valid signatures, it will be presented to the House of Commons for a government response.
Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, will table the petition in Parliament later this year. Her office has said she must sponsor citizen petitions even if she does not personally agree with their demands. The call for Hoekstra’s removal highlights deeper tensions over trade, diplomatic interference and the role of politicians in cross‑border affairs.
