Protesters claim Elon Musk's influence in politics inspired them to stand up

Protesters claim Elon Musk's influence in politics inspired them to stand up and act.
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**Protests Erupt Across Canada: 'Tesla Takedown' Against Musk and Trump** Juan Alperin and his son Milo, 12, participate in a protest outside a Tesla dealership in Surrey, B.C., on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

In cities across Canada, including Ottawa and Vancouver, citizens have joined a series of protests dubbed "Tesla Takedown" aimed at denouncing CEO Elon Musk and his advisory role to U.S. President Donald Trump. Approximately 20 residents from Metro Vancouver assembled outside a Tesla dealership in Surrey on Sunday, following a similar protest in Vancouver the previous day. They held banners with slogans such as "elbows up," "Elon be-gone," and "democracy dies in apathy." Event organizer Jen Gagnon, a dual Canadian-American citizen, expressed her dismay at the situation in U.S. politics, likening it to witnessing her "childhood home burn down" since Trump's election last fall. Recent weeks have seen Trump impose hefty tariffs on Canadian goods, igniting a trade war, and he has repeatedly suggested that Canada might be better off as the 51st state. Gagnon shared her commitment to avoid American purchases when possible, stating she felt compelled to actively oppose Trump, Musk, and the growing "creeping" fascism in Canada. "Every time I think it can't get worse, they find the bottom and keep digging," she remarked. Gagnon also mentioned the uplifting feeling of gathering with like-minded individuals during the protest. Another protester, Juan Alperin, attended with his 12-year-old son. As a professor at Simon Fraser University, Alperin is concerned about the decline of deliberative democracy and the ascent of authoritarianism. He remarked on the increased control by the tech elite over communication platforms, referencing X, owned by Musk. "The media is being consolidated under billionaires, and the same happens with social media. The situation in the U.S. is simply a more blatant version of what's unfolding in Canada," he argued. Musk, known for his strong stance on free speech, has faced backlash from organizations monitoring hate speech due to the proliferation of extremist and antisemitic language on X. As the world's wealthiest individual, Musk simultaneously manages his business interests while advising Trump on reforming the federal government through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. Fellow protester Andrew Balakshin from Vancouver expressed his belief that billionaires should not be meddling in politics across North America and Europe. He criticized a recent controversial post Musk shared, which downplayed the culpability of historical figures for mass atrocities. "I oppose any assertion that undermines Canadian sovereignty by suggesting Canada isn't a real country and that our prime minister is merely a governor," Balakshin said, referencing Musk's earlier comments. The demonstration in Surrey was met with numerous supportive honks from passing vehicles. An employee inside the dealership declined to comment on the protests, directing inquiries to Tesla's media relations team, which had not responded immediately to requests for commentary. Since Musk's rise as a prominent figure in the Trump administration, Tesla has experienced increased protests and acts of vandalism. Earlier this month, gunshots were reported at a Tesla dealership in Oregon, and four Cybertrucks were set ablaze in Seattle, though investigators have not determined if the fire was intentional. The "Tesla Takedown" events are organized via Action Network, a platform for individuals and community groups to promote progressive causes. The website lists numerous protests scheduled throughout the U.S. and Europe through late March and into April. On Saturday, protests occurred at Tesla dealerships in Ottawa and Vancouver, with a future demonstration planned in Kitchener, Ont. Gagnon, who relocated to Canada from the U.S. about ten years ago, indicated that these protests aim to encourage the public to refrain from purchasing Tesla vehicles in an effort to diminish Musk's wealth. The protests align with a recent announcement from BC Hydro, British Columbia's Crown utility, stating it would exclude Tesla from its electric vehicle rebate program, a step towards prioritizing Canadian products amidst the ongoing trade tensions. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2025.

 **Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press**

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