Alberta, Saskatchewan premiers shut down Elon Musk’s call for separation

The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have dismissed a proposal from U.S. tech entrepreneur Elon Musk suggesting that the two provinces should secede from Canada. Musk, a billionaire and former advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump, made his suggestion on social media platform X, stating that Quebec would benefit from independence, as well as Alberta and Saskatchewan. He argued that the two Prairie provinces would be better off without being part of Canada.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe quickly responded on social media, stating simply, "No." Moe, while expressing his support for Canada, has previously indicated that he would not prevent a public vote on separation in Saskatchewan if residents called for a plebiscite.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who plans to vote in favor of staying in Canada during an upcoming provincial referendum, also firmly disagreed with Musk's opinion. Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada or to hold a second binding referendum on separation on October 19. While Musk, born in South Africa, holds Canadian citizenship and has lived in various parts of the country, his mother was born and raised in Saskatchewan, where he spent time working on a family farm during his teenage years. Musk attended Queen's University in Ontario before moving to Vancouver.