Musk urges three provinces to separate, premiers reject call

Elon Musk urged Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan to separate from Canada in posts on X on October 7, drawing public rejections from the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Neither premier endorsed the suggestion, and the posts did not change government policy, according to the available reporting. Musk was responding to a post about Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who has said Quebec independence will be realized one day. Musk wrote that Quebec should separate, then added that Alberta and Saskatchewan should do so as well because they would be better off. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe replied with a one-word rejection: “No.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she strongly disagreed with Musk’s opinion. Smith has also said that remaining in Canada is the best path forward and that she intends to encourage Albertans to support that position. The exchange comes as Alberta prepares for a referendum scheduled for October 19. Voters will be asked whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or whether the provincial government should begin the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation.