Hundreds of protests took place in various countries around the world on Saturday, including in Canada, as part of a worldwide demonstration dubbed the Tesla Takedown’s Global Day of Action in response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in the U.S. administration, according to CBC.
Musk has drawn criticism for both his role in the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, and his comments about Canada that align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 51st state remarks. His comments echoing Trump calling former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “governor” also stirred frustration among many Canadians.
Protesters gathered in front of a Tesla dealership in Ottawa, Ontario, with CBC noting that one of the demonstrators, Nancy Wasserman, said “I think it speaks to the way that Canadians are really appalled by what’s going on with our neighbours to the south.”
CBC also covered a protest at a Metro Vancouver Tesla dealership in British Columbia. And 650 CKOM reported approximately 50 people gathered outside the only Tesla dealership in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — all as part of the same global event.
CTV News covered a protest outside a Tesla dealership in Montreal, Quebec, while demonstrations were also expected in Winnipeg and Halifax, and other areas in B.C.
Elsewhere in the world, The Guardian reported protests in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. “Each rally was locally organized with original themes,” they said. For example, Ireland’s theme was “Smash the Fash,” while Switzerland was “Down with Doge.”
Earlier in March, Tesla was removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show over safety concerns there could be protests against the carmaker’s CEO. A few weeks ago, two people were arrested for vandalizing a Tesla dealership in Montreal. In Ontario, one situation saw more than 80 Tesla vehicles damaged due to vandalism. And in Colorado, U.S., CTV News said Molotov cocktails were thrown at Tesla vehicles.
