Carney responds to Musk's separatism posts: Canada's future decided by Canadians, not tech billionaires

Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected Elon Musk's call for Canadian separatism on Thursday, saying the country's future will be decided by Canadians without interference from foreign governments or tech billionaires.

Musk posted on X platform Wednesday: "Quebec should separate. They would be better off. Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate too." Carney responded at a news conference Thursday in Sherbrooke, telling reporters: "The future of Canada will be decided by Canadians and the priorities of Canadians, the priorities of the people of Quebec, free from interference from foreign governments and large tech firms that think they can tell us what to do."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also replied to Musk's post with a single word: "No."

Carney is actively courting Quebec's new government, led by Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, whose party won a minority government in Monday's election. This week, Carney and St-Pierre Plamondon had their first conversation, described as "cordial," touching on "great investments here in Quebec," immigration, and other matters.

Carney announced a $2.3-billion contract with Telesat for low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity for military use. Telesat aspires to be a direct commercial challenger to Starlink, which dominates the global market for low-Earth orbit satellite internet service. He also pitched the Alto project—a proposed high-speed rail link between Quebec and Ontario—which the PQ has previously opposed. Carney said in French that Alto will create tens of thousands of jobs in the province and pledged to work with the new government to advance it.

Carney said his priorities include affordability, social justice, and building a strong Quebec within a more independent and prosperous Canada. St-Pierre Plamondon pledged during the election campaign that his party would not hold a referendum on separation while Donald Trump remains in office.

Alberta holds a separation referendum on October 19, less than two weeks away. Premier Danielle Smith argued that separatist sentiment in Alberta has weakened, telling reporters: "The federal government has changed. Their approach to us has changed and they're willing to work together on addressing those issues" that have frustrated Albertans.