Tesla has been excluded from this week’s Vancouver International Auto Show due to concerns about safety, as announced by the event’s executive director. Eric Nicholl stated that the decision was made primarily to ensure the well-being of workers, attendees, and exhibitors at the show.
Nicholl mentioned that Tesla was given several chances to withdraw voluntarily. He emphasized that this choice aims to allow everyone involved to focus on experiencing the many positive aspects of the event.
The auto show, which takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, kicks off on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
This decision follows a series of protests against Tesla over the weekend, including demonstrations in cities like Ottawa and Vancouver. Protesters voiced their objections to Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his association with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose comments regarding the possibility of making Canada the 51st state have stirred controversy among Canadians.
Around two dozen protesters gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Surrey, British Columbia, holding up signs with slogans such as “Elon be-gone” and “democracy dies in apathy.”
One protester, Pat McCutcheon, expressed support for the auto show organizers’ decision, stating they acted wisely given the current climate surrounding Tesla. He remarked, “There are many people who are quite upset with the situation regarding Tesla and Elon Musk.” McCutcheon underscored the importance of avoiding vandalism or confrontations that could overshadow the event.
He also mentioned plans for an upcoming protest outside another Tesla dealership in Langley, British Columbia. McCutcheon criticized Musk for allegedly using his wealth to undermine democracy and called for citizens to resist such actions.
In a related move, British Columbia Hydro recently excluded Tesla products from its electric vehicle rebate program, aligning with the provincial government’s strategy to support Canadian goods over American ones amid ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U.S.
