A petition calling for the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has gathered nearly 30,000 signatures [1].
The movement reflects growing public tension over diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.S. as both nations approach critical trade negotiations.
The petition, hosted on the House of Commons website, requests that the Canadian government declare Ambassador Hoekstra persona non grata. This legal designation would effectively expel the diplomat from the country. While Global News reports nearly 30,000 signatures [1], Radio-Canada notes the count is over 29,000 [2].
Petitioners cite Ambassador Hoekstra’s previous statements and his perceived alignment with U.S. policies they view as hostile to Canadian interests. Some supporters specifically point to remarks suggesting Canada is not a friend, while others view the petition as a broader response to trade and diplomatic tensions under the current U.S. administration.
"I never expected this level of response; people are really passionate about standing up for Canada," the petition organizer said.
The petition is slated for presentation in the House of Commons in the fall of 2026 [2]. Despite the volume of signatures, political analysts suggest the effort will not result in a change of government policy.
Duane Bratt, a political scientist, said the petition is unlikely to affect the upcoming trade negotiations or bring about any substantive political change.
The request for removal comes at a time when the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa is managing heightened scrutiny over cross-border policies. However, the diplomatic process for removing an ambassador is rare and typically requires a high level of government consensus, something analysts say is currently absent.
“Nearly 30,000 Canadians have signed the petition calling for Ambassador Hoekstra’s removal.”
The petition serves as a barometer for public sentiment rather than a viable mechanism for diplomatic change. Because the Canadian government must balance domestic public pressure against the strategic necessity of maintaining stable relations with its largest trading partner, the likelihood of declaring a U.S. ambassador persona non grata remains low, especially ahead of pivotal trade talks.
