Jason Kenney’s demand for voluntary renunciation is itself an opinion, rather than a government order. It does not establish a Charter violation. But it promotes a troubling standard: express the wrong constitutional preference and you should stop being Canadian.
Elon Musk supports provincial independence. But former Alberta premier Jason Kenney suggests Musk should surrender his Canadian citizenship over his political views.
Kenney writes: “If @elonmusk still holds Canadian citizenship, the only honourable thing for him to do is to renounce it.”
His objection follows Musk’s public statements supporting Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan separating from Canada, which Kenney called disloyal.
Because to call for the secession of three provinces is essentially to call for the end of Canada.
— Jason Kenney 🇨🇦🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@jkenney) October 8, 2026
Citizenship is predicated on loyalty. Advocating the destruction of one's country is obviously and profoundly disloyal.
Why would you maintain the pretence of loyalty to a… https://t.co/eb2m8twndt
But Canadian citizenship does not require agreement with Jason Kenney.
Musk’s Canadian connection is substantial. His mother, Maye Musk, was born in Regina. He holds Canadian citizenship, lived and worked in Canada, and attended Queen’s University before moving to the United States.
Canadians can celebrate his technological achievements while debating his politics. Neither admiration nor political conformity is a condition of citizenship.
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Section 2(b) of the Charter protects “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression.” Peaceful advocacy for independence falls within political expression. Federalists are equally free to argue against it.
Kenney’s demand for voluntary renunciation is itself an opinion, rather than a government order. It does not establish a Charter violation. But it promotes a troubling standard: express the wrong constitutional preference and you should stop being Canadian.
The Citizenship Act provides for revocation over fraud, false representation or knowingly concealing material circumstances. Disagreeing with a former premier is not a listed ground.
Musk’s support for independence does not invalidate his citizenship. Neither his public endorsement for separatism nor actor Mike Myers’ endorsing the federal Liberal campaign establishes foreign interference. The standard should remain consistent regardless of whose politics benefit.
A Canadian passport is not a membership card in Jason Kenney’s fan club.
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