Recently, a petition emerged seeking the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship following heightened tensions between the Canadian government and the Trump administration. Over 250,000 people have signed the petition, which accuses Musk of actions against Canada’s national interest and undermining its sovereignty. In Canada, citizenship revocation is typically reserved for cases involving fraud or misrepresentation on immigration or citizenship applications. Musk, originally from South Africa, holds both Canadian and US citizenship.
However, in response to the petition, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “Canada is not a real country,” which he later deleted. The petition, originating from a British Columbia author and supported by New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, claims Musk has used his wealth to influence Canadian elections and suggests his current allegiance to the Trump administration is a threat to Canadian sovereignty. Created on February 20, the petition remains open for signatures until June 20. Despite its symbolic nature, this petition and others with over 500 signatures and parliamentary support usually receive a government response, though this one’s fate is uncertain due to the potential for a spring election dissolving parliament.
Tensions between the US and Canada have been brewing, particularly with Trump’s suggestions that Canada could become a US state and threats of tariffs on certain imports. Canadian leaders have responded firmly, vowing retaliatory measures. This dispute has widened beyond diplomatic circles, affecting cross-border relations, travel, and even views within sports events.
Musk, who moved to Canada from South Africa at 18 and later attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, eventually moved to the US. Despite his support for Trump’s hardline immigration policies, Musk is facing scrutiny over allegations of working in the US without the proper visa. Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, labeled Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant,” allegations that Musk denies. Musk became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, according to his biography. The BBC has reached out to Musk’s businesses for comment on the matter.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwydeppzggno
