CSIS describes foreign interference as foreign-state activity involving secrecy, deception or threats. A public endorsement alone does not establish those elements.

 

AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File

Elon Musk says Alberta should separate from Canada. Mike Myers appeared in a Liberal campaign advertisement helping Mark Carney win office. Both hold Canadian and American citizenship. Neither act, on its own, establishes foreign interference.

So why is one celebrity’s political support treated as patriotic participation while the other’s is folded into warnings about foreign influence?

In the October 7 posts shown above, Musk wrote: “Good. Quebec should separate.” He followed with: “They would be better off. Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate too.”

These are openly expressed political opinions, posted under his own name.

Myers’ involvement was more directly partisan. In March 2025, the U.S.-resident actor appeared alongside Carney in a Liberal campaign advertisement, delivering the “elbows up” message to Canadian voters. His participation was public, too.

Neither man forfeits his Canadian citizenship by living in the United States or holding another passport.

Elections Canada’s guidance explicitly permits Canadian citizens living abroad to register and participate as federal third parties, subject to campaign rules. Those federal rules do not govern Alberta’s referendum, but they demonstrate that overseas residence does not automatically make a Canadian’s political participation foreign interference. And opinions are still free. 

CSIS describes foreign interference as foreign-state activity involving secrecy, deception or threats. A public endorsement alone does not establish those elements. 

The framing around Musk deserves scrutiny. In April, CityNews placed his earlier endorsement alongside Nenshi’s foreign-interference allegations. Nenshi also referenced alleged U.S. government meetings and financing requests 

Neither Musk’s posts nor Myers’ campaign appearance, standing alone, establishes foreign interference. Applying that label based on which political cause benefits is a double standard.

“Elbows up” should not mean standards down.