We, the undersigned, call on Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Canadian government to reject any proposal to ban X in Canada. As of March 26, 2025, speculation has grown—fueled by a Toronto Star article on March 7, 2025—that the government may consider banning X due to concerns over foreign interference, particularly tied to Elon Musk’s endorsement of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. We believe such a ban would be a grave mistake, undermining free speech, stifling democratic discourse, and depriving Canadians of a platform that has enriched our lives in countless ways. We urge the government to protect X and ensure it remains a space for open dialogue, especially as we approach the federal election on April 28, 2025.
X is more than a social media platform; it is a vital tool for connection, expression, and empowerment. For many of us, X has been a lifeline. One Canadian user shared how X helped them overcome social isolation, connecting them with lifelong friends through X Spaces and in-person meetups. Another described how the platform enabled them to pay off family debt, fund a sibling’s wedding, and secure job offers that transformed their financial future—all while helping others in their community find work. A third user noted that X gave them a sense of belonging, confirming they were not alone in their beliefs and providing a space to meet compassionate people during a time of personal struggle. These stories reflect a broader truth: X fosters community, supports economic opportunity, and provides a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Banning X would also strike a blow to democratic discourse at a critical moment. Canadians rely on X to stay informed, hold leaders accountable, and engage in public debate. The platform has been essential for tracking recent political developments—like Carney’s unelected rise to power (Telegraph, March 10, 2025) and the snap election he called (BBC, March 23, 2025)—ensuring we can scrutinize our leaders directly. X has amplified diverse perspectives, from journalists to activists, and allowed us to challenge narratives that don’t reflect our reality. With economic tensions rising due to U.S. tariffs and annexation threats under Donald Trump (The Guardian, March 24, 2025), Canadians need X more than ever to voice concerns, organize, and demand transparency.
We acknowledge the government’s stated concerns about foreign interference, particularly regarding Musk’s support for Poilievre (National Observer, March 24, 2025). However, banning X is a disproportionate and unjust response. If the motivation is to curb Musk’s influence because he endorsed a political rival, as some speculate, this move risks appearing petty and vindictive—hardly the mark of a leader committed to democratic values. Moreover, Global News reported on March 24, 2025, that Canadian officials do not currently classify Musk’s actions as foreign interference. Issues like misinformation, while real, can be addressed through targeted moderation and education, not censorship. A ban would punish millions of users for the actions of a few, stripping away a platform that has been a force for good.
X’s value extends beyond Canada. Globally, it has empowered social movements like #MeToo and #FridaysForFuture, giving marginalized voices a platform to demand change. It has enabled small businesses to thrive, creators to connect with audiences, and individuals to find community across borders. A 2022 Oxford Economics report estimated that social media platforms, including X, contributed $1.3 trillion to the global economy by enabling small-scale commerce. Banning X in Canada would set a dangerous precedent, signaling that free expression can be sacrificed for political expediency.
We, the petitioners, demand the following:
Reject Any Ban on X: The government must commit to keeping X accessible to all Canadians, recognizing its role in fostering free speech and connection.
Protect Free Expression: Any regulation of social media must prioritize Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of expression, and avoid overly broad measures that silence legitimate discourse.
Engage with Canadians: Before considering any action against X, the government must hold public consultations to hear from users about the platform’s impact on their lives.
Mark Carney and the Liberal government have a choice: to stand for democracy and openness or to pursue a path of censorship that alienates Canadians and undermines trust. We urge you to choose the former. Save X in Canada—protect our right to speak, connect, and thrive in the digital age.