CANADA — The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have rejected Elon Musk’s suggestion that their provinces should separate from Canada.

Musk wrote Wednesday on X that Quebec would be better off independent and added that Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate as well. The post came two days after the Parti Québécois won a minority government in Quebec and less than two weeks before an Alberta referendum on the province’s place in Canada.

Premiers respond publicly

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe answered Musk with a single word: “No.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she strongly disagreed with his position and has stated that she plans to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

Musk’s post is a personal political statement, not an official proposal or government action. Although Musk holds Canadian citizenship and spent part of his youth in Canada, he does not hold elected office in either province.

Separation debate remains politically active

Albertans are scheduled to vote October 19 on whether the province should remain in Canada or move toward a second, binding referendum on separation. Smith has opposed leaving Canada while defending the public’s ability to vote on the issue.

Moe has likewise described himself as a committed Canadian, while saying Saskatchewan law would allow a separation vote if a successful public petition met the province’s requirements.

The premiers’ responses do not change either province’s referendum law or process, but they put both governments on record against Musk’s intervention in the debate.

Sources: The Canadian Press via Global News, updated October 7; Musk’s October 7 post on X.

Lead image: flag of Canada via Wikimedia Commons; not a photograph of Musk, Smith, Moe or a referendum event.