Canadians Petition to Remove US Ambassador

More than 110,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for the removal of United States Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, reflecting growing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The citizen-led petition accuses Hoekstra of defending the Trump administration’s threats and policies, including suggestions that Canada could become the 51st US state. It calls for the ambassador to be declared persona non grata and removed from Canada.

According to the Canadian Parliament website, more than 116,000 signatures had been verified by Thursday morning. The petition will remain open until November 18, when it will be presented in the House of Commons by Green Party lawmaker Elizabeth May.

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Hoekstra, a former Republican congressman from Michigan and a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, began his tenure in Ottawa in April 2025. His time in the role has been marked by several controversies.

A May editorial by The Globe and Mail criticised the ambassador’s approach, describing him as being “keen to channel his boss’s aggressive boorishness.” The editorial added that “Pete Hoekstra doesn’t understand why Canadians are so upset,” accusing him of viewing Canadians as “inexplicable malcontents” for opposing Trump’s comments and trade policies.

Hoektra — Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in Washington. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

The ambassador has also faced criticism over his response to an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario’s provincial government, which featured comments from former US President Ronald Reagan supporting free trade. Reports said Hoekstra launched a profanity-filled tirade against an Ontario official over the advert, which angered Trump and contributed to a suspension of trade negotiations.

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In June, Hoekstra said the possibility of the US annexing Canada would be “a great discussion” for Trump to have with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He has also defended Trump’s tariffs and criticised Canadians for describing the measures as part of a trade war.

Canadian officials are currently negotiating in Washington for a trade agreement that could provide broader tariff relief in exchange for Ottawa withdrawing some countermeasures.

Hoekstra, who was born in the Netherlands, previously served as US ambassador there during Trump’s first term. He apologised after making false claims in 2015 that Islamist violence had created “no-go zones” in the Netherlands and that Muslims had “burned” politicians.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.