Carney hits back at Elon Musk after his comments backing Quebec, Alberta separatism

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pushed back against Elon Musk after the billionaire suggested Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate from Canada.

“The future of Canada will be decided by Canadians and the priorities of Canadians, the priorities of the people of Quebec,” Carney said Thursday.

He added that Canadians should be able to protect their languages and cultures without interference “from foreign governments and large tech firms that think they can tell us what to do.”

Musk made the comments Wednesday following the Parti Québécois victory in Quebec’s provincial election.

“Good. Quebec should separate. They would be better off. Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate too,” he wrote on X.

However, the separatist party won around 28 percent of the popular vote and failed to secure a majority in Quebec’s legislature.

Meanwhile, Alberta is preparing for an October 19 vote on whether the province should remain in Canada or move towards another referendum on separation.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she intends to vote to remain in Canada, adding that separatist sentiment has weakened as relations with Ottawa improve.

“The federal government has changed. Their approach to us has changed and they’re willing to work together on addressing those issues,” Smith said.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also rejected Musk’s suggestion, responding on X with a single word: “No.”