Petition to revoke Elon Musk's Canadian citizenship gains over 176,000 signatures

A new petition calling for the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship has gained significant traction in just a few days. The petition was launched by Qualia Reed from Nanaimo, British Columbia on February 20th, but it has already amassed over 176,000 signatures from Canadians across the country.

The Petition’s Claims

The petition argues that Musk has engaged in activities that contradict Canada’s national interests. Specific accusations cited in the petition include alleged interference in Canadian elections, misuse of his wealth and power for political influence, and supposed collaboration with foreign governments that undermine Canadian sovereignty. It calls on the Prime Minister to take immediate action by revoking Musk’s dual citizenship and rendering his Canadian passport invalid.

According to Canadian parliamentary rules, e-petitions require at least 500 signatures and an MP sponsor to be considered in the House of Commons. Both of these have been fulfilled, with the over 200,000 signatures and that it has been officially sponsored by Member of Parliament Charlie Angus from the New Democratic Party, representing Timmins—James Bay.

Despite the petition exceeding the minimum requirements by far, its ability to actually see Muks’s citizenship revoked remains uncertain.

Legal and Political Hurdles

Despite the petition’s growing support, revoking citizenship is a complex legal matter. According to Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or actions that violate national security. Revocation based on political influence or business activities would set a new, and dangerous, legal precedent, and could face constitutional challenges.

However, even if the petition is tabled in the House of Commons, the government is under no obligation to act on it. The final decision would likely involve legal scrutiny and public debate.

Where The Signatures Are Coming From

The highest number of signatures come from Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. According to the latest count, Ontario leads with 64,361 signatures, followed by British Columbia at 36,097 and Quebec with 33,034.

The petition has also garnered support in Alberta, which contributed 17,351 signatures, while Saskatchewan (4,029), Manitoba (5,772), and Nova Scotia (6,680) have also seen moderate participation. As expected, smaller provinces and territories have registered far fewer signatures. Newfoundland and Labrador has 2,107, while Prince Edward Island has just 911. The lowest numbers come from the territories, with the Northwest Territories (188), Yukon (330), and Nunavut (71) contributing only a small fraction of the total.

Elon Musk’s Ties to Canada

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Elon Musk obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Saskatchewan. He briefly attended Queen’s University in Ontario before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S.