A parliamentary petition in Canada has garnered over 250,000 signatures, calling for the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship and passport. The petitioners express concern over Musk’s close ties with former US President Donald Trump, who has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and made controversial statements about annexing Canada as a 51st state. They argue that Musk’s actions could undermine Canadian sovereignty.
Musk, who holds citizenship in South Africa, Canada, and the US, has become increasingly visible in Trump’s political sphere since Trump began his second term. The petition describes Musk as having wielded his wealth to influence Canadian elections and aligns with a foreign government that allegedly threatens Canadian interests. In response, Musk controversially stated on his platform, X, that “Canada is not a real country.”
Directed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the petition demands immediate action to revoke Musk’s dual citizenship. While experts suggest the government may not have the legal authority to revoke Musk’s citizenship, the petition’s author, Qualia Reed, views it as a means of holding influential figures accountable for their ethical responsibilities.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk acquired Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, a Canadian native, and later gained US citizenship. The petition process requires initial support from at least five Canadians, authorisation from a member of parliament, and legitimate signatures to advance to debate in the House of Commons, making it a formal yet complex procedure.
The petition is sponsored by NDP MP Charlie Angus, and Reed has mentioned that the intent is not to launch personal attacks but to highlight the need for responsibility among those impacting global policies. The initiative reflects growing anxiety among Canadians regarding Trump’s rhetoric and potential economic threats.
Historically, revoking citizenship in Canada is rare and generally not permissible unless obtained through fraud. Condition precedents for this action were amended in 2017 under Trudeau’s government, which reinstated citizenship to those wrongfully stripped of it due to national security concerns. The ongoing petition is set to remain open until June 20, after which its legitimacy will be assessed before proceeding to parliamentary discussion.