Now Reading: 60,000 Canadians sign petition to expel US envoy Pete Hoekstra
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60,000 Canadians sign petition to expel US envoy Pete Hoekstra
More than 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of interfering in Canadian politics and normalising President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada…
The Story in Brief
More than 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition demanding the expulsion of US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, accusing him of interfering in Canadian politics and normalising President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada as the 51st state, the Times of India reports. The petition asks Ottawa to declare Hoekstra persona non grata, raise concerns with Washington about alleged breaches of diplomatic protocol, and launch a parliamentary review of US interference. The Economic Times, citing Canadian media, puts the signatures at nearly 30,000. Green Party leader Elizabeth May will present the petition in Parliament this fall.
Hoekstra has defended himself by saying it is his duty to present President Trump's point of view. He has faced controversy over remarks about the annexation idea, criticism of Canada's 'anti-American' election tone, and his invitation to a Freedom Convoy leader to a Fourth of July event. The US Embassy declined to comment.
The Indian Opinion
This petition taps into genuine Canadian anger over Trump's annexation jokes and Hoekstra's combative style. But lazy narratives paint him as a rogue diplomat. In reality, Hoekstra is faithfully amplifying his president's policy, however unpalatable. Canada's reaction is predictable political theatre, no US ambassador has ever been expelled from an ally over offensive comments alone. The concrete test: will Ottawa formally declare him persona non grata, or will it let this petition remain a symbolic cry? Watch for Parliament's response after the break.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
