Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly rejected Tesla CEO Elon Musk's support for separatist movements in Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Carney characterized such interference by large tech firms as unacceptable, emphasizing Canadian sovereignty.

Speaking in Quebec on Thursday, Carney stated that residents would determine their own priorities alongside their elected representatives. He cited affordability, social justice, and homelessness as key concerns, advocating for "a strong Quebec within a strong Canada." The Prime Minister called for a nation that is independent, sovereign, and prosperous, while preserving Quebec’s language and culture.

"Free from interference from foreign governments and large tech firms that think they can tell us what to do," Carney said.

Musk backs provincial separation

On Wednesday, Musk responded to a post about premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s pledge to achieve independence. "Good. Quebec should separate," Musk wrote on X. In a subsequent post, he added, "They would be better off. Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate too."

The dispute coincides with growing organizational momentum for separatism in Alberta. In February, volunteers with the Alberta Prosperity Project pursued approximately 177,000 signatures needed to trigger a citizen-initiated independence referendum. This campaign unfolded amid strained Canada-US relations, including tariff disputes and annexation rhetoric.

Carney warns of economic instability

Carney previously warned that an Alberta referendum could trigger a Brexit-style crisis that Canada might struggle to reverse. He described Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed October 19 referendum as "a very dangerous bluff."

Tensions between the two leaders have persisted. In a New York Times interview last month, Carney signaled that Canada would reduce its reliance on Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. "Starlink we will diversify away from, no question," he said.

What the numbers show

The political friction is underscored by specific logistical and diplomatic data points disclosed in the source:

The requirement of 177,000 signatures highlights the procedural threshold for the Alberta independence movement, while the proposed October 19 date indicates an imminent timeline for potential political disruption. Carney’s explicit mention of diversifying away from Starlink suggests a strategic decoupling of critical infrastructure from Musk’s ecosystem, aligning with his broader stance against foreign tech influence.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "illegal" and "barbaric," acknowledging that the Ukrainian people have continued their resistance despite years of war.

Carney's statement on the Ukraine conflict

Carney's remarks reflect a firm stance on the ongoing conflict, characterising Russia's military action in Ukraine in unequivocal terms. The Canadian Prime Minister described the invasion using two pointed terms, "illegal" and "barbaric," underscoring the gravity with which Canada views the situation.

Carney also highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people, noting their sustained resistance over the course of the prolonged conflict. The acknowledgement of Ukraine's continued resistance forms a central element of his public position on the matter.