- Canada is excluding Tesla products from some of its incentive programs.
- The automaker was also kicked out of a prominent auto show recently.
- The country is not happy with Elon Musk's actions in connection with U.S. President Donald Trump.
It finally happened. Canadians, who are widely regarded as some of the nicest people in the world, are angry. And it’s because of the whole Tesla-Musk-Trump conundrum. Increased trade tariffs, constant talk about the United States annexing Canada and Elon Musk’s know-it-all attitude—all have led some Canadian officials to kick where it hurts the most.
"It's just for Tesla and it's because of Elon Musk," said David Eby, British Columbia’s Premier, after BC Hydro, the province’s largest energy distributor, decided to exclude Tesla products from its electric vehicle charger incentive program.
The decision came into effect last week, and it targets Tesla-made EV chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters. British Columbia residents will have to choose another brand if they want to benefit from up to $250 (CAD $350) in rebates. Those who have purchased or received pre-approval for their Tesla products before March 12 could still qualify for the incentive, according to CBC.
Explaining the decision, the province’s Premier said that if taxpayers knew thousands of dollars were going to Musk’s company thanks to the subsidy program, “they’d want to throw up.”
"I thought [Tesla products] shouldn't be made available on a public subsidy program right now,” said Energy Minister Adrian Dix. “I don't think anyone in British Columbia needs to be told why, and I think most people would support their removal from that list.”
On Monday, Toronto’s mayor Olivia Chow banned financial incentives for Tesla vehicles bought as taxis or ride-share, according to Reuters. During a press conference, Chow said that as of March 1, Tesla EVs are no longer eligible for incentives and that the measure will be reconsidered if the trade issues with the U.S. are resolved.
"The vehicles for hire, like taxis, will have to find a different kind of car," she told Reuters after the news conference. "There are other electric cars they could purchase." She added that the decision was made to target and respond to Elon Musk, who has been extremely close to President Donald Trump.
The city has been offering taxi and ride-share drivers reduced licensing and renewal fees until the end of 2029 if the cars are electric. Now, Tesla EVs are excluded from the program.
To top it all off, Tesla has been kicked out of the Vancouver International Auto Show over safety concerns. According to the Associated Press, the event’s executive director, Eric Nicholl, said that the show asked Tesla to withdraw voluntarily from the venue citing safety concerns. The decision was made after so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests over the weekend in Ottawa and Vancouver where participants voiced their anger over Musk’s tactics and Trump’s call for annexing Canada.
Tesla has been losing ground all over the world because of its CEO’s close relationship with the U.S. President. Sales are down, and a notable number of owners have sold or are considering selling their Teslas. Others are trying their best to tell the world that they don’t want to take part in the political madness that has surrounded the brand.
