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In a notable demonstration, over a dozen individuals gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Langley, British Columbia, on Saturday, engaging in what they termed a “Tesla Takedown.” This protest was part of a broader movement against the electric vehicle manufacturer, sparked by concerns surrounding its CEO, Elon Musk.
The participants expressed strong sentiments regarding Musk’s leadership and its implications for the Canadian public. “I think Elon Musk is evil. I was going to buy a Tesla last year myself and I was so glad that I didn’t,” shared Joanne Fry, a demonstrator. She continued, “But I feel so bad for people who did and have to live with this, but I think we have to stand up as Canadians.” A common theme among the protestors was the need for collective action to safeguard democracy and national integrity.
“I think everybody needs to get off the couch and start worrying about our country and democracy. Simple enough.”
The protest in Langley is part of a growing wave of demonstrations against Tesla, initially seen in the United States and now spreading to Canada. These events reflect broader discontent with Musk’s close affiliations, particularly his ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have prompted criticism from various segments of society.
On the same day, a smaller group also congregated outside a Tesla dealership in Edmonton, while reports of vandalism at other Tesla locations, such as Hamilton, Ontario, have emerged. “If we push hard, we can bring people like Elon Musk down,” asserted Pat McCutcheon, who organized the Langley protest. He emphasized the urgency of action: “This will slip through our fingers unless we get off the couch and stand up, stand up for democracy and stand up for Canada.”
While Saturday’s protest was peaceful, previous demonstrations have not always reflected the same sentiment. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has noted a rise in calls related to disturbances at local Tesla dealerships since the start of the year. “We can confirm that there have been eight files created for mischief to those dealerships. So, all of those files are open and being investigated,” stated VPD Constable Tania Visintin.
The most recent incident leading to police action occurred at the Tesla Kitsilano dealership, where a man was arrested for spray-painting obscenities on the storefront window. In light of these developments, Visintin urged the public to engage in peaceful protests, warning that crossing the line into criminal behavior would result in serious consequences.
Source
globalnews.ca