Kathrine Frich
The tech boss actually holds Canadian citizenship himself.
When people acquire massive wealth, they often develop a habit of offering unsolicited advice to the rest of the world.
Sometimes this means sharing tips on daily routines or business strategy.
Other times, it means trying to redraw the map of an entirely different country.
Redrawing the map
Billionaire Elon Musk recently decided to weigh in on the national unity of his northern neighbour. He took to his social media platform, X, to suggest that three major provinces should break away from Canada entirely.
The tech executive responded to an online post about Quebec politics with a bold claim. He stated that residents of the French-speaking province “would be better off” if they left the country, according to Wirtualna Polska News.
He did not stop at the eastern border. Musk quickly followed up by suggesting that the western provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan should also say goodbye to the Canadian confederation.
Swift pushback
Local leaders did not exactly welcome the billionaire’s sudden interest in their internal affairs. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe offered a very brief public response to the idea of leaving the country.
He simply replied with the word “No,” making his position completely clear to the social media owner.
In Quebec, the reaction was equally frosty. Conservative Party leader Éric Duhaime rejected the comments entirely, as reported by French-language public broadcaster Radio-Canada.
“Elon Musk will not be deciding the future of Quebec,” Duhaime said. “The people of the province do not need American interference.”
Low local support
The tech boss actually holds Canadian citizenship himself. His mother was born in the Saskatchewan capital of Regina, which granted him a passport.
Despite those family ties, his popularity across the nation remains deeply underwater. A recent Angus Reid study revealed that 79 percent of Canadians hold a negative opinion of him.
Some citizens have even taken formal steps to distance the nation from him. Critics recently organized a parliamentary petition to strip Musk of his Canadian citizenship, accusing him of interfering in domestic politics.
Votes on the horizon
The billionaire’s comments arrive at a very sensitive time for Canadian political unity. Alberta is preparing for a major public vote on October 19.
That ballot will include a question about holding a future vote on whether Alberta should leave Canada.
Meanwhile, Quebec politicians are also watching the timeline. Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recently noted he will avoid pushing for a separation vote as long as Donald Trump is in the White House.
