Multiple groups have planned demonstrations in Vancouver this weekend protesting Tesla dealerships and CEO Elon Musk.
Dozens of demonstrations are planned across the Lower Mainland, including ones at the Tesla dealerships in Vancouver, Surrey, and Langley on Saturday, March 29. The Vancouver protest at the West 4th Avenue dealership in Kitsilano starts at noon and is slated to last until 2 p.m.
The protests are part of Action Network's "Global Day of Action," also known as the "Tesla Takedown." The organization encourages people to sell their Tesla stocks and vehicles (and stop buying new ones) and prevent Musk's current political agenda, according to the website.
Another protest is planned for Sunday in Strathcona Park following the official international day of action.
"We're back the next day in the park in East [Vancouver] at the site of Tesla's largest 'future' dealership in Western Canada -- if Tesla has a future anywhere," states a press release.
Organizers of Sunday's Tesla Takedown protest say they responded to Musk's tweet that "Canada is not a real country" and that he's endorsed Pierre Poilievre for the Canadian election. They believe "Canada’s sovereignty is on the line" and that people must prevent the tech business mogul turned political figure from interfering with Canadian politics.
"Tesla is building an enormous facility in East Vancouver next to Strathcona Park. Let’s tell Trump, Vance, and Musk that we don’t want it," the organizers write in a release, adding: "Fascists aren't welcome in Canada."
Protest organizers encourage peaceful demonstrations
Organizers state the protests are part of a "peaceful protest movement" and "oppose violence, vandalism and destruction of property." However, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is bracing for potential crimes.
The VPD is deploying 130 extra officers to the Vancouver protests to maintain order and protect property following a wave of vandalism to Tesla products. The specially-trained Public Safety Unit will be dispatched to maintain order ahead of expected large crowds, according to a press release.
“While everyone is entitled to express themselves lawfully and peacefully, nobody has the right to use violence, damage property, or intimidate others,” says VPD Constable Tania Visintin.
“There are a number of protests planned this weekend against Tesla, and we’re deploying a heavy police presence to make sure these protests remain lawful.”
VPD investigating nearly 30 Tesla-related incidents in Vancouver since Jan. 20
The VPD says it has been investigating 28 incidents since Jan. 20 that appear politically motivated against Musk's affiliation with the U.S. government. Nineteen of these incidents occurred at dealerships and charging stations.
"They include hateful words and symbols spray-painted on buildings, eggs thrown at cars, and windshields smashed. By comparison, there were no reports of mischief to Tesla dealerships or charging stations at all in 2024," reports the VPD.
Police say nine private Tesla vehicles have also been targeted by mischief, with opposition to U.S. politics, including rocks and liquid thrown at cards, damaged wipers, and racist graffiti.
The VPD continues to investigate these incidents but has not determined how many suspects are responsible.
“We understand many people are distressed by world events and are looking for ways to vent their frustration, but damaging private property is not the answer,” adds Visintin. “We encourage people to express themselves peacefully, lawfully, and with respect for others. Anyone who breaks the law will face arrest and charges.”
Tesla was also removed from the Vancouver Auto Show, marking a first for the annual event. On March 18, Eric Nicholl, executive director of the event, announced that the company was given numerous chances to withdraw voluntarily amid safety concerns.
