More than 60,000 Canadians have joined a petition demanding the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra from Ottawa after critics argue he has repeatedly interfered in Canadian political discourse and normalised Trump‑era rhetoric calling Canada the "51st state".
The petition, launched by a Calgary resident, accuses Hoekstra of meddling in domestic affairs, citing his recent re‑posting of a Trump tweet that suggested Canada might become a U.S. state and his invitation to a Freedom Convoy protester at a Fourth of July reception.
In response, the U.S. embassy acknowledged awareness of the movement but declined to comment further. Canadian trade officials are simultaneously racing to negotiate a deal before a planned 50‑percent tariff on $20–$28 billion of Canadian exports takes effect next Wednesday.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May will introduce the petition in Parliament later this year, arguing that the House of Commons must review U.S. diplomatic interference even if the issue is unpopular with her party. If the petition obtains at least 500 valid signatures, the government is obliged to respond.
The U.S. has threatened to impose retaliatory measures if tariffs are implemented, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that Canada would consider further counter‑tariffs. The two nations face a fragile period of negotiation, with potential trade outcomes hinging on diplomatic trust and domestic accountability measures.
