In light of escalating trade disputes ignited by U.S. tariffs, Canadians have expressed their dissent through physical acts against Tesla, prompting broader discussions on national pride and corporate influence.
Canadians Escalate Vandalism Against Tesla Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions
Canadians Escalate Vandalism Against Tesla Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions
As tensions rise over U.S.-Canada trade relations, vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles has surged in Canada, with over 80 cars damaged in Hamilton.
Elon Musk's electric car company, Tesla, has become a target of vandalism in Canada, with significant acts reported as tensions surrounding trade relations between Canada and the United States continue to rise. Hamilton, Ontario, saw the most damage, with more than 80 Teslas suffering tire punctures and body scratches, according to local police. In recent social media posts, Musk has criticized Canada, calling it “not a real country,” which has likely exacerbated feelings of resentment among Canadians.
The province of Ontario, historically a key manufacturing hub, finds itself on the frontlines of a trade battle triggered by President Trump's tariffs on steel and several Canadian goods. In retaliation, Canada has imposed duties on over $20 billion worth of U.S. exports, leading to a grass-roots backlash against American brands and figures, including Musk.
In Montreal, members of the environmental activism group Last Generation Canada vandalized a Tesla dealership with pink spray paint, claiming they were opposing Musk's influence on democracy and climate policy. This incident has only escalated calls for action among Canadians, with a petition recently collecting over 376,000 signatures demanding the Canadian government revoke Musk's citizenship.
The protests have already influenced local events; organizers of a recent auto show in Vancouver decided to exclude Tesla from their lineup to maintain focus on positive elements of the automotive sector. Additionally, Ontario canceled a substantial contract with Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, amid these growing tensions.
As sentiments across Canada reflect a collective frustration over the current state of U.S.-Canada relations, it appears that the fallout from trade disagreements will continue to impact not just political relations but also consumer behavior and public sentiment toward brands associated with the U.S. administration.
The province of Ontario, historically a key manufacturing hub, finds itself on the frontlines of a trade battle triggered by President Trump's tariffs on steel and several Canadian goods. In retaliation, Canada has imposed duties on over $20 billion worth of U.S. exports, leading to a grass-roots backlash against American brands and figures, including Musk.
In Montreal, members of the environmental activism group Last Generation Canada vandalized a Tesla dealership with pink spray paint, claiming they were opposing Musk's influence on democracy and climate policy. This incident has only escalated calls for action among Canadians, with a petition recently collecting over 376,000 signatures demanding the Canadian government revoke Musk's citizenship.
The protests have already influenced local events; organizers of a recent auto show in Vancouver decided to exclude Tesla from their lineup to maintain focus on positive elements of the automotive sector. Additionally, Ontario canceled a substantial contract with Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, amid these growing tensions.
As sentiments across Canada reflect a collective frustration over the current state of U.S.-Canada relations, it appears that the fallout from trade disagreements will continue to impact not just political relations but also consumer behavior and public sentiment toward brands associated with the U.S. administration.
