Over 60,000 Canadians call for expulsion of US ambassador

More than 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition urging the federal government to remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of interfering in Canadian political affairs and damaging relations between the two countries.

The petition, launched by a Calgary resident, argues that Hoekstra has repeatedly intervened in Canada's domestic political debate. It specifically criticizes his handling of Donald Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.

The petition also raises concerns over meetings in Washington between U.S. State Department officials and Albertans who support separating Alberta from Canada. It calls for Hoekstra's removal and asks a parliamentary committee to investigate alleged U.S. interference in Canadian domestic affairs.

Hoekstra, a Republican and longtime Trump ally, has strongly defended the president's trade policies, arguing that they are intended to protect American interests. At the same time, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S.-Canada relationship.

His tenure in Ottawa, however, has generated controversy. He has clashed publicly with Ontario's trade representative, reposted Trump's comments about Canada becoming the 51st state, and suggested that such a proposal could be a subject for discussion between the two countries' leaders.

He also drew criticism after inviting a prominent figure associated with Canada's 2022 Freedom Convoy protests to his official Fourth of July celebration. More recently, Hoekstra has accused some Canadian political figures of using anti-American rhetoric and has repeatedly criticized provincial decisions to remove American alcohol products from store shelves.

The petition will be presented in Canada's House of Commons later this year by Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Her office said May is required to sponsor petitions brought forward by Canadian citizens regardless of whether she personally agrees with their demands.

Canadian parliamentary rules allow residents to submit petitions through members of Parliament. Once a petition is approved and receives at least 500 valid signatures, it is presented in the House of Commons and the federal government must provide a response.

The petition's rapid growth comes amid particularly tense relations between Ottawa and Washington. Canadian and American officials are currently engaged in urgent trade negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement before new U.S. tariffs are scheduled to take effect.

The United States has proposed a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion to $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Trump has described the measures as retaliation for what he considers unfair treatment of American automobiles, dairy products and alcohol.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that Canada could respond with additional measures if the tariffs are imposed.

Canadian media reports suggest the two governments may be close to reaching an interim trade agreement. Against that backdrop, the petition targeting Hoekstra adds another layer of tension to an already strained relationship between the neighboring countries.