Based on coverage from CBC, Vancouver Sun, and The Economic Times.
Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a figure who often finds himself at the centre of both innovation and controversy, recently made an unexpected visit to the small fishing town of Bella Bella on British Columbia's Central Coast. Known for its stunning natural beauty and a population of about 1,500, Bella Bella is no stranger to high-profile visitors, but Musk's arrival certainly stirred the pot.
Arriving late Friday night and leaving the following Monday, Musk's visit was tracked through online flight logs and confirmed by photos shared with CBC News. The billionaire, accompanied by one of his sons, landed in a small private plane before being whisked away by helicopter. The local buzz suggests he was headed to a private property near Bella Coola, owned by James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and a Tesla board member. The property, known for its recreational allure, adds another layer of intrigue to Musk's visit.
While Musk's ventures into space and electric vehicles often dominate headlines, his Canadian connection is equally compelling. Born in South Africa, Musk holds Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, who hails from Regina, Saskatchewan. Musk spent part of his youth in Canada, living and working in Saskatchewan and Vancouver before attending Queen's University in Ontario. This connection makes his Canadian escapades particularly noteworthy.
However, Musk's relationship with Canada isn't without its complications. Earlier this year, a petition calling for the revocation of his Canadian citizenship gained significant traction, amassing over 340,000 signatures. The petition cited Musk's involvement with former U.S. President Donald Trump and policies perceived as unfriendly towards Canada. Musk's response, a now-deleted social media post declaring "Canada is not a real country," only added fuel to the fire.
In British Columbia, Premier David Eby took a stand by excluding Tesla products from the province's electric vehicle incentive program, explicitly linking the decision to Musk's political views. Despite this, many rural communities in Canada continue to rely on Musk's Starlink satellite internet for connectivity, highlighting the complex relationship between Musk and the country.
Legal experts point out that revoking Musk's Canadian citizenship is unlikely, as it can only be done in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or serious crimes like treason. The petition, while symbolic, underscores the tensions surrounding Musk's influence and actions.
Back in Bella Bella, Musk's visit remains the talk of the town. Local resident Seán Carter noted the logistical challenges Musk faced at the small airport, where he had to walk a considerable distance due to space constraints. "I'm sure he was hoping to kind of come in and out kind of secretly, but there's definitely no secrets here," Carter quipped.
Musk's brief sojourn in Bella Bella serves as a microcosm of his larger-than-life presence - a blend of awe, controversy, and undeniable impact. Whether it's his ventures in technology or his complex ties to Canada, Musk continues to be a figure that captivates and divides in equal measure.
