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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sharply criticized statements by U.S. billionaire and social media platform X owner Elon Musk about Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan separating from Canada.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Carney stressed Canadians have the right to live according to their own language, culture and values.
The prime minister said foreign interference in the process was unacceptable. “Canadians must determine their own future independently, free from the influence of foreign governments and major technology corporations. Only Canadians and the priorities of the people of Quebec will decide Canada’s future,” he said.
Alberta and Saskatchewan leaders have rejected calls for separation. The remarks come ahead of an Oct. 19 vote in Alberta, which will ask residents whether the province should remain part of Canada and whether a possible separatism referendum should be held in the future. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said during an appearance in Edmonton that she supports the province remaining in Canada. Smith said constructive dialogue with the federal government had been established and separatist sentiment had weakened. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded to Musk’s call with a brief “No” in a post on X.
Musk had weighed in on Canada’s domestic political debate in a post on his social media platform, saying: “Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan should leave Canada; it would be better for them.”
Canada is a federal country whose provinces have elected governments and substantial authority over areas such as education and health care. Questions about provincial separation have periodically featured in Canadian political debate, particularly in Quebec and western provinces.
