Canadians rally to revoke Elon Musk's citizenship
Canadians want to revoke Elon Musk's citizenship in their country. A petition, which has over 171,000 signatures, is currently gathering signatures.
The petition, launched on February 20, accuses Musk of undermining Canada's sovereignty and influencing elections. Although symbolic, it has gained the support of New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Charlie Angus, according to the BBC. Angus does not plan to seek re-election and supports the initiative, which may not receive a government response due to a possible parliamentary dissolution.
Elon Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, also holds Canadian citizenship because his mother was born in Regina, Canada.
Elon Musk moved to Canada at 18 and later relocated to the U.S. He was accused of illegal work on a student visa but denies these allegations. In 2002, he gained U.S. citizenship.
Musk attacks sovereignty
The petition outlines specific arguments for revoking his citizenship.
"Elon Musk has engaged in activities that go against the national interest of Canada; he has used his wealth and power to influence our elections; he has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty; and the attempts of Elon Musk to attack Canadian sovereignty must be addressed," it states.
Losing Canadian citizenship can occur in rare cases, such as involvement in terrorist activities, espionage, or treason. Concealing a criminal past or providing false information during the citizenship process can also be grounds for revocation. Disloyalty to the Canadian state is also among the recognized reasons for revoking citizenship.
Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have been escalating since Trump's return, who suggests that Canada could become a U.S. state. In response, Canadian leaders are threatening counter-tariffs. The conflict is spreading beyond the government, with Canadians boycotting American products and cancelling trips to the U.S.
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada intensified when American tariffs prompted Canadian politicians to discuss a trade war openly. Elon Musk's products, including Starlink, have become a focal point. Ontario's Premier Doug Ford criticized the Starlink contract, which was supposed to provide internet in rural areas, and announced its cancellation.
Chrystia Freeland, a Deputy Prime Minister, suggested implementing 100% tariffs on Tesla and American alcohol in response to President Trump's actions. Freeland emphasized the need for "effective and precise" reactions to U.S. policies. Soon, there will be elections for her party's new leader, which may result in more decisive positions.
President Trump temporarily suspended for a month the imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products, citing issues with porous borders that allow dangerous fentanyl to reach the U.S. This decision is part of a broader trade strategy causing concern in Canada.
In this version, I've adjusted the flow of the article for better clarity and conformed to Canadian spellings where applicable, such as "cancelling." I assumed the offices you referred to were the Deputy Prime Minister and Premier of Ontario. Feel free to specify if you meant other titles, and I can adjust accordingly.
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