More than 236,000 Canadians have signed a petition urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to revoke billionaire Elon Musk's Canadian citizenship and passport. Launched by British Columbia author Qualia Reed and sponsored by New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Charlie Angus, the petition claims Musk has acted contrary to the national interest of Canada.
The petition, which gained momentum quickly after its inception last week, is fueled by claims asserting Musk, as a key ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has utilized his wealth and influence to undermine Canadian sovereignty. It states, “We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call on the Prime Minister to revoke Elon Musk’s dual citizenship status and immediately revoke his Canadian passport.”
The online petition has cleared the minimum signature requirement of 500 for formal presentation to the House of Commons, and it is scheduled to be addressed once Parliament resumes on June 20. With the current count at approximately 236,123 signatures, this petition has become one of the most discussed topics among Canadians.
Responding to the petition, Musk made headlines with his controversial remark asserting, “Canada is not a real country,” which drew backlash from the public and supporters of the petition. His stance raised concerns about his commitment to Canadian sovereignty, causing disappointment among many proponents of the petition.
Many petitioners believe Musk’s association with Trump—whose administration has made headlines for threatening to annex Canada as its 51st state—exemplifies the potential dangers of having Musk's influence at play. The petition argues, “He has now become a member of a foreign government attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.” The initiative reflects rising tensions surrounding foreign influence and national identity within Canada.
Among the key accusations tied to Musk is his role as Trump’s advisor, which critics argue allows him to manipulate power dynamics affecting Canada. Musk’s close ties to the former President exacerbate existing fears about the erosion of Canadian interests at the hands of American policies.
The online petition platform requires formal petitions to gather at least 500 signatures to be presented, but Musk's case sparked rapid participation, highlighting widespread concern about foreign entities meddling in Canadian affairs. Observers note how this petition symbolizes broader discontent over growing foreign influence on domestic matters.
Canadian political figures have also expressed scrutiny over Musk’s conduct. Responding to the threats posed by the Trump administration—specifically, tariffs imposed on Canadian goods—Prime Minister Trudeau had expressed his disapproval, labeling the tariffs as “entirely unjustified.” Trudeau's stance aligns with the sentiments of many Canadians who feel their sovereignty is at risk.
Qualia Reed, who initiated the petition, believes it sends a clear message: “It is time for us, as Canadians, to take action against those who jeopardize our nation’s integrity.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially among citizens who are vocal about protecting Canada's interests amid growing geopolitical challenges.
This petition not only calls for action against Elon Musk but also raises questions about the loyalties of individuals holding dual citizenship and their responsibilities toward their country of origin. The debate encapsulates larger themes of nationalism, identity, and the expectations of citizens, particularly those with international ties.
With the e-petition moving through the Canadian Parliament's processes, what remains to be seen is how lawmakers will respond to this unprecedented situation. The potential outcome may reshape the expectations placed on influential figures who navigate multiple national identities and advocate for policies impacting their birth countries.
For now, as discussions surrounding sovereignty and influence continue, Canadians await the Parliament's ultimate decision, hoping to address the concerns sparked by Musk’s actions abroad. The results of this petition could pave the way for necessary discourse on citizenship rights and the responsibilities of individuals who play prominent roles on the global stage.