Elon Musk’s call to break up Canada this week was quickly rejected by two provincial leaders. After Musk posted on X that Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec would all be better off on their own, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded with a one-word message: “No.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also said she strongly rejects Musk’s view, CBC reports.
- Musk was commenting on the victory of the separatist Bloc Québécois in the provincial elections in Quebec. Prime Minister-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised to hold a referendum on independence, although he says the vote will not take place until after President Trump leaves office, CTV News reports. Quebec narrowly voted to remain part of Canada in a 1995 referendum. Polls show support for independence has fallen to around 30%, according to the BBC.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, when asked about Musk’s remarks, said they are a reminder that Canada’s future belongs to Canadians. Canada should be “free from foreign interference from foreign governments and big tech companies who think they can tell us what to do,” he said. Alberta is preparing for an Oct. 19 referendum on whether to remain in Canada or hold a second binding vote on independence. Smith said she would vote to stay in Canada.
- Musk, who holds Canadian citizenship through his mother, lived there for several years before moving to the United States in the mid-1990s. A petition calling for his citizenship to be revoked received nearly 400,000 signatures.
- Canada welcomed Musk to North America and gave him “a way out of compulsory military service in South Africa,” Vinay Menon wrote to the newspaper. Toronto Starcalling for Musk to receive a “National Medal of Ingratitude.”
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