More than 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding for US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to be expelled, accusing him of interfering in Canadian politics and hurting relations between the two countries, BBC reportedThe petition asks the Canadian government to remove Hoekstra from his post in Ottawa and calls for a parliamentary review of what it describes as US diplomatic interference in Canada’s domestic affairs.The US Embassy in Canada said it was aware of the petition but declined to comment.
Why is Hoekstra facing criticism?
The petition accuses Hoekstra of making repeated interventions in Canadian political affairs and of normalising President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st US state.It also raises concerns about meetings in Washington between US State Department officials and Albertans involved in the movement to separate Alberta from Canada.The petition was launched by a woman from Calgary and will be presented in Parliament later this year by Green Party leader Elizabeth May.May’s office said she is required to sponsor petitions brought forward by Canadian residents regardless of whether she personally agrees with their demands.
Hoekstra’s controversial comments
Hoekstra, a Republican and Trump ally, has strongly defended the US president’s trade policies and has described the relationship between Canada and the US as critical.His tenure in Canada has nevertheless been marked by several controversies.He faced a public dispute with Ontario’s trade representative and was criticised after reposting Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state.When asked about the idea, Hoekstra said it would be a “great discussion to be had” between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.He also came under criticism for inviting a leader of the 2022 Freedom Convoy movement to an official Fourth of July event.The ambassador has further described some Canadian political rhetoric as “anti-American” and repeatedly criticised Canada’s decision to remove US alcohol products from many provincial store shelves.
