Overview
- A petition launched by Calgary resident Lee Walker drew explosive support this week and will be formally presented in the House of Commons this fall by Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
- Signatures rose from tens of thousands to six figures in some counts as media reports showed rapid growth, reflecting broad public alarm about the ambassador’s conduct.
- The petition accuses Ambassador Hoekstra of repeating Trump-era '51st state' rhetoric, intervening in Canadian political debate, and having alleged ties to Alberta separatist actors and a U.S. voter‑ID app.
- The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa said it was aware of the petition and declined further comment, and Ottawa has not taken formal diplomatic action to declare Hoekstra persona non grata.
- Declaring a diplomat persona non grata is a formal step under the Vienna Convention that would require the Canadian government to request Washington remove him, so the petition’s main effect would be political pressure that could complicate trade and security ties.