Story perspectives

Thousands Petition Expulsion of US Ambassador After “51st State” Remarks

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

A petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has gathered 14,600 signatures since February.
Pete Hoekstra posted President Donald Trump’s “51st state!” comment on X while Premier Doug Ford said Canada won’t become the 51st state and cited a 680 percent job increase over United States.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will not expel the ambassador while Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc traveled to Washington for CUSMA talks, optimistic on extension.

History

Historical Context

The 1988 Canada–U.S. Free Trade Agreement, negotiated by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, removed tariffs on bilateral trade and paved the way for CUSMA. Decades later, Premier Doug Ford and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc defended the pact while a petition seeks to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, recalling earlier trade friction. Canada now has 15 free-trade agreements with 51 partners (2023).

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Story summary

A petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has gathered 14,600 signatures since February.
Pete Hoekstra posted President Donald Trump’s “51st state!” comment on X while Premier Doug Ford said Canada won’t become the 51st state and cited a 680 percent job increase over United States.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will not expel the ambassador while Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc traveled to Washington for CUSMA talks, optimistic on extension.

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