Canada, has in most part been a good neighbor but Donald Trump’s recent political tariff drama has changed that. A petition signed by more than 29,000 Canadians is demanding that U.S. President Donald Trump be barred from stepping foot in the country for the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Because, according to them, Trump has persistently threatened Canada’s sovereignty and economic well-being.
The man behind the petition, Gerard Aldridge, is a proud Canadian who isn’t taking Trump’s rhetoric lightly as he declares he was born a Canadian, and will die a Canadian. And if that means keeping a convicted felon (as Trump is now) out of the country, so be it.
The NDP’s Charlie Angus, never one to hold back, is sponsoring the petition in Parliament. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has taken things up a notch—calling not only for Trump to be uninvited but also for the summit to pivot into a strategy session on resisting Trump’s ‘dangerous threats’ to the world.
Singh’s not mincing words asking – why would we invite someone who has threatened our very democracy, our very sovereignty. Why would we allow a convicted criminal into our country. Strong words, but Singh has doubled down, even suggesting that Canada should lead efforts to build diplomatic and economic alliances with countries like Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia to counter Trump’s influence.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office, however, has taken a more diplomatic stance—choosing to remain tight-lipped on the matter.
Now for Trump’s Right-Hand Man
While the G7 controversy continues to brew, Elon Musk has also found himself at the center of political storm back in his mother’s homeland, Canada.
An online petition demanding that the Canadian government revoke Musk’s citizenship is on track to become one of the most popular petitions in the history of the House of Commons. There’s just one tiny issue—Canada can’t legally revoke Musk’s citizenship.
The Legal Blockade
According to Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked in cases of fraud or misrepresentation during the application process. Musk, born in South Africa to a Canadian mother, automatically acquired Canadian citizenship by birthright.
Immigration lawyer Gabriela Ramo clarifies that unless there is legislative intervention, Canada has no legal pathway to strip him of his citizenship.
Canadian officials are treading carefully. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesperson Rémi Larivière confirmed that citizenship revocation is rare and requires a federal court decision or a direct request to the immigration minister.
A Petition That’s Making Waves
Despite the legal roadblocks, the petition—launched by British Columbia author Qualia Reed and backed by New Democrat MP Charlie Angus—has struck a nerve. It accuses Musk of actions that allegedly threaten Canadian sovereignty and influence elections. The wording is dramatic, claiming that Musk’s ties to Donald Trump’s government and his financial support for the Republican Party are grounds for Canada to reconsider his citizenship.
With more than 263,000 signatures and counting, it’s one of the most viral petitions in Canada’s political history. Ontario leads the charge with over 96,000 signatures, followed by British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta.
Musk’s Response, Trolling Canada
Musk, never one to sit out an internet feud, responded to the uproar on X (formerly Twitter) with a now-deleted post declaring, “Canada is not a real country.” very classic Musk indeed.
But this isn’t his first public display of affection—or disdain—for his half-Canadian heritage. He’s previously posted about his early struggles in Canada, working on a Saskatchewan farm and at a Vancouver lumber mill before heading to Queen’s University. His past support for Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and his “I Love Canada” T-shirt moment in 2023 also indicate he hasn’t entirely disowned his roots.
That said, Musk’s recent online activity paints a different picture. He’s been openly backing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, engaging in political trolling, and, most significantly, throwing his weight behind Trump’s re-election campaign. His financial contributions to the Republican Party—including an eye-popping $288 million—haven’t gone unnoticed, fueling accusations of election interference.
Musk, Trump, and Canada— More Than Just Borders!
Things escalated further when Trump appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly created agency that has since caused chaos in Washington with mass firings. And when Trump made a wildly provocative statement about turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state, Trudeau fired back with a defiant “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.” Musk, in his signature irreverent style, dismissed Trudeau’s words with, “Girl, you’re not the governor of Canada anymore, so doesn’t matter what you say.”
MP Charlie Angus, the man behind the petition, acknowledges that revoking Musk’s citizenship is more of a symbolic gesture than a legal possibility, but he believes the overwhelming support is indicative of deep-seated frustration among Canadians.
Can Canada Take On Its Formidable Neighbor?
When a petition to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship began gaining steam, it wasn’t just about Musk. It was a reflection of something deeper—a growing anxiety in Canada about its powerful, often unpredictable neighbor to the south.
The sheer magnitude of signatures on this petition speaks volumes about Canada’s current mood. But it also raises an important question – Can Canada really take on its formidable neighbor, the United States?
A History of Playing Diplomatic Chess
Canada and the U.S. have always had an uneasy yet symbiotic relationship. Bound by one of the longest unprotected borders in the world, they are economic partners, military allies, and cultural cousins. But when push comes to shove, Canada has often found itself playing defense rather than offense. Whether it’s economic policies dictated by Washington, the stronghold of American media influence, or political spillover effects, Canada has had to navigate its relationship with the U.S. carefully.
Yet, history shows that Canada is no pushover. From standing firm against the Iraq War to fiercely defending its interests in trade disputes, Ottawa has, at times, drawn its own line in the sand. But in a world where geopolitics is increasingly about power dynamics rather than diplomacy, is Canada equipped to push back if the need arises?
The Power Imbalance Is Real
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the U.S. holds most of the cards. Economically, Canada is highly dependent on its southern neighbour, with nearly 75% of its exports heading to the U.S. The American economy is nearly ten times larger than Canada’s, giving Washington an undeniable edge in negotiations.
Militarily, it’s an even sharper contrast. While Canada’s armed forces are respected, they pale in comparison to the sheer firepower of the U.S. military-industrial complex. The reality is that in any direct confrontation—political, economic, or military—Canada would have a steep hill to climb.
The Musk Factor
Elon Musk’s newfound political entanglements in Washington—especially his role in Trump’s administration—have only added fuel to Canada’s simmering frustrations. Many Canadians see Musk’s unchecked influence as a threat to their nation’s sovereignty. His financial backing of Trump’s campaign and his appointment to lead the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have only reinforced these concerns.
Musk’s dismissive attitude toward Canada—epitomized by his now-deleted post calling the country “not a real country”—has made him an easy target. The petition to revoke his citizenship, though largely symbolic, is an act of resistance, a way for Canadians to push back against a larger force that often dictates their fate.
Can Canada Actually Push Back?
The truth is, Canada does have leverage—but it must play its cards wisely.
Canada has long relied on the U.S. market, but recent trade tensions and political instability have made it clear that diversifying trade partners is essential. Strengthening economic ties with the EU, Asia, and Latin America could reduce its vulnerability.
Canada’s membership in organizations like NATO, the G7, and the Commonwealth provides some insulation. By aligning more closely with European and Indo-Pacific allies, Canada can amplify its voice on the global stage.
Canada has an opportunity to position itself as a global leader in emerging sectors like AI, clean energy, and quantum computing. Competing on innovation rather than sheer economic or military strength could be Canada’s best long-term strategy.
If Canada wants to assert itself internationally, it needs to ensure internal stability. Political divisions—especially those between provinces—can weaken Canada’s ability to present a united front on the global stage.
The Last Bit
The Musk controversy may fade, but the underlying issues will remain. Canada will continue to wrestle with the challenge of maintaining its sovereignty in the shadow of a powerful neighbor. While it may not have the raw power to go toe-to-toe with the U.S., it does have the tools to assert itself strategically.
The question is not whether Canada can take on the U.S., but rather, how it chooses to handle the relationship. Canada’s resilience, if channeled correctly, can ensure that it doesn’t just survive next to a global superpower, but thrives despite it.
