VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Safety has been cited as the reason Tesla was excluded from the Vancouver International Auto Show, which kicks off on Wednesday at the Vancouver Convention Centre and is set to run until Sunday. According to a statement made by the event’s executive director, the decision to withdraw Tesla was prompted by serious safety concerns surrounding the participation of the electric car manufacturer and its implications for workers, attendees, and other exhibitors.
The executive director explained that Tesla was given several opportunities to voluntarily opt-out but ultimately was asked to withdraw to ensure the focus remained on the positive aspects of the event. Concerns regarding safety heightened following a series of protests termed “Tesla Takedown” over the previous weekend. These protests took place in cities such as Ottawa and Vancouver and criticized Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s advisory role to U.S. President Donald Trump, especially as tensions brew over the suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
In Surrey, British Columbia, roughly two dozen protesters congregated outside a Tesla showroom on Sunday following a similar event in Vancouver. Protesters wielded placards with messages like “elbows up,” “Elon be-gone,” and “democracy dies in apathy.” Among the demonstrators was Pat McCutcheon, who later remarked that the move to exclude Tesla from the auto show was a wise decision given the sensitivity of the current situation pertaining to both Tesla and Elon Musk.
McCutcheon noted he was unaware of protest plans targeting the auto show itself but acknowledged the charged emotions surrounding Tesla’s presence. In his opinion, the auto show’s decision was appropriate, as it minimized the risk of potential vandalism or confrontations. He continued to express concern over Musk’s influence, claiming it represents an abuse of wealth to undermine democratic principles. McCutcheon is organizing another demonstration at a Tesla dealership in Langley, British Columbia, this coming weekend.
Furthermore, in alignment with government policy and amidst ongoing trade disputes with the United States, British Columbia Hydro has recently dropped Tesla products from its electric vehicle rebate program. The move aims to prioritize Canadian-made products and exclude U.S. options from financial incentives whenever feasible.
