Vancouver auto show excludes Tesla amid safety fears over protests

In Canada, Tesla was excluded from participating in the Vancouver International Auto Show that commenced on March 19, 2025, due to safety concerns connected to protests targeting the company and its CEO Elon Musk. The event organizers highlighted apprehension for the safety of attendees, workers, and exhibitors, which led them to make the decision to withdraw Tesla despite providing the company with multiple opportunities to voluntarily exit the event. The protests were part of a broader movement, branded as the 'Tesla Takedown', occurring in various cities, including Ottawa and Vancouver. Prior events indicated a growing discontent towards Musk, who has been criticized for his collaboration with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly concerning Trump's controversial rhetoric about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. By calling attention to Musk's political affiliations and recent remarks about Canada, protesters expressed their dissatisfaction, demanding accountability and illustrating the escalating tensions between Canadian citizens and American corporate influence. The protests included gatherings in various locations, where demonstrators carried signs voicing their concerns. Additional complications for Tesla arose when British Columbia Hydro implemented a ban on the company's products from its electric vehicle rebate program. This decision aligned with a provincial strategy aimed at favoring Canadian goods amidst the turmoil of ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. As a result, Canadian authorities are attempting to assert preference for their domestic market amid legislative changes enforcing tariffs on American imports. Given the turbulent political climate, tensions surrounding Tesla expectedly increased, making it a catalyst for mobilizing public sentiment against perceived American economic encroachment. Attendees at the auto show were relived by the show's decision, suggesting that it was justified in light of the heated atmosphere. Activists and protest organizers vowed to continue the fight against what they perceive as a threat to Canadian sovereignty and democracy, exacerbating public discourse on the implications of individual wealth in political arenas.