Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 9, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has strongly responded to American technology billionaire Elon Musk’s support for provincial separatist movements, saying that Canadians themselves will determine their country’s future. He said neither a foreign government nor a major American technology company has the authority to tell Canadians what they should do.
Speaking at a news conference in Sherbrooke, Quebec, on Thursday, Carney said Canadians had the right to live in their country and provinces without outside interference. He emphasised that Canada’s future would be determined by its people and their priorities.
He said those priorities included making the cost of living more affordable, promoting social justice and building a stronger Quebec within a more independent and prosperous Canada.
Elon Musk’s Controversial Remarks
On Wednesday, Elon Musk expressed support for Quebec separating from the Canadian federation in a post on his social media platform, X. He said Quebec should become an independent country because it would be better positioned as a separate nation. He also suggested that Alberta and Saskatchewan should leave Canada.
Musk’s remarks brought renewed attention to the debate over national unity and provincial autonomy in Canada. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded briefly to Musk’s suggestion with a single word: “No.” Alberta’s leadership has also not endorsed the call for separation.
Separatist Government in Quebec
Musk’s comments came as Quebec entered an important political period. In the provincial election, the separatist Parti Québécois secured enough support to form a minority government.
Party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon had promised during the election campaign that his party would not hold a referendum on Quebec’s separation from Canada while US President Donald Trump remained in office.
Carney’s government has begun efforts to strengthen cooperation with Quebec’s incoming provincial leadership. The prime minister said his first conversation with Plamondon earlier this week was positive, with discussions covering major investments in Quebec, immigration and other issues.
Disagreement Over High-Speed Rail Project
A key part of the federal government’s economic strategy is Alto, the proposed high-speed rail project connecting Quebec and Ontario. However, Quebec’s separatist party has opposed the project, raising questions about its implementation and future.
Carney defended the project on Thursday, saying it would create tens of thousands of jobs in the province. He also expressed his commitment to working with Quebec’s new provincial government to move the initiative forward.
Alberta Prepares for Referendum
Meanwhile, Alberta is preparing to hold a referendum on separation from Canada on October 19. Ahead of the vote, Premier Danielle Smith has said that support for separation has declined as relations with the federal government have improved.
Speaking in Edmonton on Thursday, Smith said Carney’s federal government had changed its approach to Alberta’s concerns. She added that the two governments were now willing to work together to resolve their differences.
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According to Smith, addressing the genuine concerns of Alberta residents had weakened separatist sentiment in the province.
Message to American Technology Companies
Carney’s remarks come as his government seeks to strengthen Canada’s economic independence and reduce reliance on American companies in key sectors.
The prime minister recently signed a $2.3 billion agreement with Telesat to provide the military with communications services through low-Earth-orbit satellites.
The project could potentially become a commercial competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which currently holds a prominent position in the global satellite internet market.
Overall, debates over provincial separation, federal economic policy and the influence of American technology companies are becoming increasingly prominent in Canada. Carney’s government says it will prioritise national unity, public priorities and cooperation with the provinces, while Alberta’s upcoming referendum could play an important role in shaping the next stage of the debate.
