Full Breakdown
Petition to Expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra Gains Tens of Thousands of Signatures
8/14/2026, 5:53:52 AM
Core Event: Citizens Demand Hoekstra’s Removal
A petition launched by a Calgary resident calls for U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to be declared persona non grata and removed from Canada. It also asks the Liberal government to direct a parliamentary committee to review U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs. Green Party leader Elizabeth May has agreed to sponsor the petition and will table it in the House of Commons in the fall.
Background & Context
Hoekstra, a former Republican congressman from Michigan and longtime Trump ally, arrived in Ottawa earlier this year. Since his appointment, he has repeatedly defended President Donald Trump’s trade policies, described Canadian criticism of U.S. tariffs as a “trade war,” and labeled Canadian political rhetoric as “anti-American.” In June, he suggested that a discussion about Canada becoming the United States’ 51st state would be “great” for Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump.
The petition emerges amid intense U.S.–Canada trade negotiations aimed at averting a planned 50 percent tariff on roughly $20-$28 billion of Canadian goods. Canadian negotiators are meeting with U.S. officials in Washington to seek broad tariff relief before the tariffs take effect.
Canada has previously used the “persona non grata” tool under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to expel diplomats from China (2023) and India (2024) after allegations of foreign interference. Those expulsions were linked to intelligence reports and a high-profile murder investigation.
Data & Statistics
- Signature counts reported:
- More than 60,000 signatures (CBC, BBC, The Hill)
- Over 70,000 signatures (CBC, later report)
- More than 116,000 signatures
- Trade-related figures:
- Proposed U.S. tariff of 50 percent on $20-$28 billion of Canadian goods
- Existing sectoral tariffs already in place
- Petition procedural thresholds:
- 500 valid signatures trigger a formal presentation and a required government response within 45 days.
Official Statements & Responses
- The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa confirmed it is aware of the petition but declined further comment.
- Elizabeth May’s office stated that she has an obligation to sponsor citizen petitions, regardless of personal agreement with their demands.
- Canadian parliamentary rules require a written government response once a petition meeting the signature threshold is tabled.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Signature numbers vary widely across sources (60 k, 70 k, 116 k), and no single official tally has been released.
- The exact date when the petition will be presented is described only as “in the fall,” with no specific parliamentary schedule disclosed.
- No official response from the Canadian government has been published, leaving the outcome of the petition uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's beyond what I expected out of this,” — Lee Walker, president
What’s Next
The petition will be introduced in the House of Commons later this year. Once presented, the government must issue a formal response within 45 days. Simultaneously, Canadian and U.S. trade negotiators continue discussions in Washington, seeking a deal before the mid-August deadline for the threatened tariff implementation. The petition remains open for signatures until November 18 (scheduled).
