Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition calling for the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canada.
The petition, which was launched on 20 February and has already garnered over 250,000 signatures, accuses Musk of acting against Canada’s national interest and undermining its sovereignty.
However, under Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of information during the application process.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, holds both Canadian and US citizenship, having obtained the former through his mother, who was born in Saskatchewan.
Responding to the petition, the billionaire posted on X, “Canada is not a real country.” The post was later deleted.
The petition further claims that Musk “has used his wealth and power to influence our elections” and “has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.” It was created by a British Columbia author and has been endorsed by Charlie Angus, a longtime MP for Timmins–James Bay with the New Democratic Party.
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Angus, who has served in Parliament for two decades, has announced he will not seek re-election. The BBC has contacted his office for comment.
Although the petition is largely symbolic and holds no legal authority, petitions with at least 500 signatures and the backing of an MP typically receive a government response. However, with a spring election approaching, this petition may not be addressed before Parliament dissolves.
The controversy comes amid growing tensions between the US and Canada following President Trump’s return to office. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become a US state and has threatened tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other imports.
Canadian leaders have pushed back, pledging counter-tariffs, while anti-American sentiment has been on the rise, with Canadians cancelling US trips, boycotting American products, and booing opposing national anthems at hockey and basketball games.
Musk moved to Canada from South Africa at 18, taking on odd jobs before studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later emigrated to the US, where he became a naturalised citizen in 2002.
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