Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, accusing the billionaire of acting against the country’s national interests and undermining its sovereignty.
The petition has so far, garnered over 250,000 signatures since its launch on February 20, highlights growing tensions between Canada and the Trump administration, as well as Musk’s controversial political stance.
The Petition: Accusations Against Elon Musk
The petition claims that Musk, who holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, has used his wealth and influence to interfere in Canadian elections and align himself with foreign governments that are threatening Canadian sovereignty. It also references Musk’s controversial post on X (formerly Twitter), where he stated, “Canada is not a real country,” before he deleted it.
Musk’s Canadian citizenship stems from his mother, who was born in Saskatchewan. However, under Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of information during the immigration process—none of which apply to Musk.
Political Backing and Symbolic Impact
The petition was created by a British Columbia author and endorsed by Charlie Angus, a member of parliament from the New Democratic Party (NDP). While the petition is largely symbolic and lacks legal force, it has sparked significant public debate. Petitions with at least 500 signatures and parliamentary backing typically receive a government response, but the upcoming spring election could dissolve parliament before a response is issued.
A Broader Look into US-Canada Tensions
The petition reflects escalating tensions between Canada and the United States since Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become a U.S. state and threatened tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other imports. In response, Canadian leaders have vowed to impose counter-tariffs, while citizens have boycotted American products and canceled trips to the U.S.
The tension has even spilled into sports, with Canadians booing the U.S. national anthem at hockey and basketball games.
Elon Musk’s Canadian Roots and Immigration Controversy
Elon Musk moved to Canada from South Africa at the age of 18, working odd jobs before studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later emigrated to the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen in 2002.
However, Musk’s immigration status has come under scrutiny. Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Trump, recently labeled Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant,” accusing him of working illegally in the U.S. on a student visa. Musk has denied these allegations, stating that he did not violate immigration laws.
While the petition is unlikely to result in the withdrawal of Musk’s citizenship, it does highlight the increasing divide between Musk and the Canadian public.
