Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Thursday that Canada's future will be determined by its own citizens, responding to social media posts by Elon Musk supporting provincial separation. Speaking from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Carney said Canadians should be free from the influence of "large tech firms that think they can tell us what to do." The remarks followed a Wednesday post on X, in which Musk suggested Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan should leave the Canadian federation.
Musk’s comments were made in response to the Monday election victory of the Parti Québécois (PQ) in Quebec. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the province’s premier-designate, has stated his goal is for Quebec to become sovereign. Musk wrote that Quebec would be "better off" separating and that Alberta and Saskatchewan should follow suit. Musk is a former U.S. government official who previously led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration.
While the PQ won Monday’s provincial election, the party did not receive a majority mandate for independence. The party secured approximately 28% of the popular vote and did not win a majority of seats in the legislature. McGill University professor Daniel Béland stated that current support for Quebec independence remains at about 30%, suggesting the election results reflected a desire to replace the previous government rather than a push for separation.
The debate affects residents in Quebec, as well as the populations of Alberta and Saskatchewan. In Alberta, the government has scheduled a vote for October 19, 2026, to determine if the province should remain in Canada or move toward a referendum on separation.
The exchange highlights a public disagreement between the Canadian federal government and Musk over national sovereignty. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated on Thursday that separatist sentiment in her province has weakened due to increased cooperation between her government and Carney’s administration. Smith confirmed she intends to vote to remain in Canada. In Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe responded to Musk’s suggestion with a one-word post stating, "No."
The immediate next step in this jurisdictional debate is the Alberta vote on October 19. If voters there favor exploring separation, it could lead to a formal referendum at a later date. In Quebec, while the PQ holds the premiership, it lacks a legislative majority and polling support for independence is at 30%. Carney emphasized that his government’s current priorities in Quebec remain affordability, social justice, and housing.