Public pressure mounts as petition to strip Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship gains traction

By Dorcas Marfo

Published: February 24, 2025 

A petition calling for the Canadian government to revoke Elon Musk’s citizenship has gained traction, with more than 170,000 signatures as of Monday morning. The online petition hosted on the House of Commons website was launched by B.C.-based author Qualia Reed and sponsored by NDP MP Charlie Angus – an outspoken critic of Musk.

The petition filed Thursday claims that Elon Musk “has engaged in activities that go against the national interest of Canada.” It accuses the tech billionaire of supporting U.S. policies that undermine Canada’s sovereignty – with emphasis on his advisory role to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Musk, born in South Africa, has Canadian citizen through his mother, who is from Regina. He also has U.S. and South African citizenships. Musk owns electric-vehicle maker Tesla, aerospace company SpaceX and social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Canadians who’ve signed the petition are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to revoke Musk’s dual citizenship and his Canadian passport.

Escalating political tensions

The petition emerged amidst escalating political tensions between Canada and the U.S. In early February, Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, citing national security concerns. Following negations, a 30-day pause on these tariffs was agreed upon, contingent on Canada enhancing border security and addressing issues like fentanyl trafficking.

Despite temporary reprieve, the threat of widespread tariffs still looms as duties on steel, aluminum, autos and semiconductor chips were announced earlier this month.

Further compounding these tensions, Trump has made remarks suggesting the annexation of Canada. He has also referred to Trudeau as the “Governor” of Canada on social media, another reference to the country becoming the 51st state.

These comments have been met with widespread criticism and have intensified nationalistic sentiments among Canadians.

What happens next?

Under Canadian parliamentary rules, an e-petition must gather at least 500 signatures to be formally presented to the House of Commons. The petition remains open for signatures until June 20. The House of Commons is scheduled to resume sitting on March 24, but many expect a general election to be called before MPs return.

Can Canada even revoke citizenship?

According to the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship, a Canadian citizenship may be revoked in certain circumstances, including if fraud is committed, an individual misrepresents themselves or knowingly hides information on an immigration or citizenship application.

Canadians can read more in the Citizenship Act, including the reasons an individual can renounce their citizenship. The ministry states if a citizenship is revoked, the individual must wait 10 years from the date of revocation to get citizenship again.