A Canadian parliamentary petition calling for a review of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s conduct has reached 27,119 validated signatures, according to the latest figure posted by the House of Commons.
Petition e-7124 asks Parliament to examine whether Hoekstra’s actions and public statements have fallen short of the standards expected of a diplomatic representative in Canada.
The petition calls on the federal government to consider diplomatic measures, including a possible request for Hoekstra’s recall, if a review finds that his conduct has been inconsistent with diplomatic protocol or harmful to Canadian interests.
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What the Pete Hoekstra petition says
The petition was initiated by Toronto resident Hugh Winters and opened for signatures on February 25, 2026.
It closed on June 25, 2026, meaning the current total reflects validated signatures collected during that period rather than an ongoing campaign.
The House of Commons page currently identifies Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan as the member associated with the petition and lists Ontario as the province with the most validated signatures, followed by British Columbia and Quebec.
The wording does not declare Hoekstra guilty of misconduct.
Instead, it asks the House of Commons to review concerns about an ambassador’s conduct and to consider further action if those concerns are substantiated.
Why Hoekstra has drawn criticism
Hoekstra has become a prominent figure in the Canada-U.S. relationship since taking office as Washington’s ambassador in Ottawa in 2025.
He has represented the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump during a period marked by tariff disputes, disagreements over trade and repeated public discussion in Washington about Canada’s possible future as a U.S. state.
Critics have argued that some of Hoekstra’s public comments and social-media activity have brought him too close to Canadian political debates.
The petition specifically frames its concerns around respect for Canadian sovereignty, diplomatic impartiality and the expected conduct of foreign envoys.
Those concerns have also been discussed alongside questions about contacts between U.S. officials and Alberta separatist groups, although the petition itself asks for a review rather than making a finding that Hoekstra personally directed or approved any such activity.
A fact-check published in June said there was no evidence Hoekstra had directly endorsed Alberta independence, underscoring the distinction between criticism of his public role and proof of specific interference.
What happens next
The petition’s signature count does not by itself remove Hoekstra from his post or require the United States to replace him.
Any decision about his diplomatic status would involve the Canadian government and the United States, rather than being determined solely by the number of signatures.
Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a receiving state may notify the sending state that an ambassador or other diplomatic staff member is persona non grata.
If that happens, the sending state is expected to recall the individual or terminate the person’s functions at the mission.
That is a formal diplomatic step and is separate from the parliamentary petition process.
The House of Commons page for e-7124 currently shows the petition’s signature total and sponsor information, but does not list a government response or a completed parliamentary review.
Hoekstra remains Washington’s ambassador in Ottawa
The U.S. State Department’s 2026 Ottawa publication identifies Pete Hoekstra as the U.S. ambassador to Canada, confirming that he remains in the role.
The publication also includes a message from Hoekstra connected to an exhibition at the ambassador’s residence in Ottawa.
Hoekstra previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands and was a longtime Michigan congressman.
His current assignment places him at the centre of sensitive negotiations over trade, border policy, energy and the scheduled review of the North American trade agreement.
For Canadian officials, the petition adds another layer of political pressure to an already difficult bilateral relationship.
For Washington, it highlights the risk that public messaging intended to support the administration’s negotiating position can be interpreted in Canada as interference in domestic affairs.
A diplomatic issue with broader consequences
The petition is not a binding vote on Hoekstra’s future, but its signature total provides a measurable indication of opposition among the Canadians who participated.
Its implications extend beyond the ambassador himself because Canada and the United States continue to depend on close cooperation in trade, defence, border management and critical infrastructure.
Any formal review, government response or change in Hoekstra’s status would therefore be watched closely by businesses, provincial governments and officials on both sides of the border.
Until such a decision is announced, Hoekstra remains the accredited U.S. ambassador in Ottawa and the petition remains a request for parliamentary and diplomatic consideration rather than an order for his removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many signatures does the Pete Hoekstra petition have?
The House of Commons website lists 27,119 validated signatures for petition e-7124.
What is the petition asking for?
It asks Parliament to review Hoekstra’s conduct and consider diplomatic measures, including a possible request for his recall if concerns are substantiated.
Has Pete Hoekstra been removed as U.S. ambassador to Canada?
No. Hoekstra remains identified by the U.S. State Department as the ambassador to Canada.
Can a Canadian petition remove a foreign ambassador?
No. A petition can request government or parliamentary action, but diplomatic status is determined through formal action by the receiving and sending states.
What does persona non grata mean?
Under the Vienna Convention, it is a formal declaration by the receiving state that a diplomatic representative is no longer acceptable, after which the sending state is expected to recall the person or end their functions.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against the official House of Commons petition record, U.S. State Department material and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Disclaimer: The petition’s allegations are requests for review and do not establish that Pete Hoekstra committed diplomatic misconduct.