Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers reject Elon Musk's separation calls
The tech billionaire posted on X that Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate from Canada. Premier Danielle Smith says she strongly disagrees; Albertans vote October 19 on separation.
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Update — October 21, 2026: Albertans voted on October 19 with approximately 76 percent choosing to remain in Canada and 24 percent voting for a binding referendum on separation, with a voter turnout of 61.9 percent across 1.9 million ballots counted. Premier Danielle Smith declared the separation question settled and pledged not to hold another referendum on the issue while she remains premier, committing instead to pursue future disputes with Ottawa through political and legal channels. Eight of nine non-separation referendum questions on immigration and constitutional reform had achieved majority support as of Tuesday evening.
Elon Musk, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, posted on social media platform X calling for Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan to separate from Canada.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded "No" on X, reaffirming he is a true Canadian. However, Moe has previously stated he would not halt a public vote on separation if Saskatchewan residents petitioned for a plebiscite.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she strongly disagrees with Musk's view. She announced she will vote to keep Alberta in Canada in the upcoming provincial referendum.
Albertans go to the polls October 19 to decide whether the province should stay in Canada or whether there should be a second binding referendum on separation. The vote comes amid broader national debates over federal spending and provincial autonomy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney responded Thursday, saying "The future of Canada will be decided by Canadians, and the priorities of Canadians, the priorities of the people of Quebec." He added that decisions should be made "free from interference from foreign governments and large tech firms that think they can tell us what to do."
Musk's intervention marks an unusual moment of a foreign billionaire weighing in on Canadian constitutional questions during a sensitive political period.
✓ What specifically is on Alberta's October 19 ballot — staying in Canada only, or both staying and a second referendum option?
Answered October 21, 2026
Has the federal government responded officially to Musk's posts?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When is Alberta's separation referendum?
Albertans will vote on October 19, 2026, to decide whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second binding referendum on separation.
What did Saskatchewan's premier say about separation?
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded "No" on X and reaffirmed he is a true Canadian, though he has previously stated he would not halt a public vote on separation if Saskatchewan residents petitioned for a plebiscite.
Ongoing coverage · Alberta Separation Referendum Coverage
