OTTAWA – A petition calling for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to be stripped of his Canadian citizenship has surpassed 250,000 signatures, reflecting growing public discontent over his alleged actions that critics claim undermine Canada’s sovereignty.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and later obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, who hails from Saskatchewan. The petition, which launched on February 20, asserts that Musk has engaged in activities “against the national interest of Canada.”
Petition Accuses Musk of Undermining Canada
The petition alleges that Musk, who also holds U.S. citizenship and has been an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, is “a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.”
While the petition does not specify particular actions Musk has taken, it follows years of controversy surrounding his political statements and business dealings. Musk has been vocal about his views on geopolitics, and his close ties with Trump, who has openly questioned Canada’s sovereignty, have fueled concerns among petition supporters.
Musk Responds with Controversial Remarks
In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Musk dismissed the petition, writing, “Canada is not a real country.” His comment sparked outrage among Canadians and reignited debates over his influence on global politics.
Musk has previously supported Trump’s statements criticizing Canadian leaders and suggesting that Canada should become a U.S. state. His remarks have been met with backlash from Canadian politicians across party lines.
Political Figures Weigh In
Charlie Angus, a federal lawmaker from the New Democratic Party (NDP) who sponsored the petition, said the initiative allows Canadians to express frustration over the growing influence of billionaires and political extremists.
“People like Elon Musk are enemies of our country,” Angus stated. “His immense power and influence are being used to undermine democratic institutions and national sovereignty.”
Other lawmakers have echoed Angus’s sentiments, with some calling for a closer examination of Musk’s political influence in Canada. However, legal experts suggest that revoking Musk’s Canadian citizenship would be challenging under existing laws.
Could Musk Lose His Canadian Citizenship?
According to Canadian law, citizenship may be revoked under specific conditions, such as fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process. Additionally, individuals who serve in a foreign military engaged in armed conflict against Canada may also have their citizenship revoked. However, no known evidence suggests that Musk falls into these categories.
Moreover, petitions submitted to Canada’s Parliament are non-binding. While they can prompt government responses, they do not mandate legal action. Parliament is currently suspended and is scheduled to resume on March 24, meaning an official response from the government could take weeks.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The petition’s rapid growth highlights the increasing scrutiny of Musk’s global influence. His ventures, including SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network and Tesla’s electric vehicle expansion, have positioned him as a key player in international policy discussions. Some Canadians argue that his influence in U.S. politics, combined with his dismissive remarks about Canada, raises valid concerns.
At the same time, Musk maintains a strong base of supporters who view his contributions to technology and space exploration as invaluable. Critics of the petition argue that revoking Musk’s citizenship over political opinions would set a dangerous precedent.
What Happens Next?
With Parliament set to reconvene next month, the government may issue a formal response to the petition. However, legal experts suggest that actual revocation of Musk’s citizenship remains highly unlikely.
In the meantime, the debate over Musk’s political influence and Canada’s sovereignty continues. As the petition gains traction, it underscores broader concerns about the role of billionaires in shaping national and international policies.
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