Dozens protest at Metro Vancouver Tesla dealerships, call for stand against hate
CBC
Dozens of people took to Metro Vancouver Tesla dealerships on Saturday as protesters in cities around the world gathered for a "global day of action" against the electric carmaker's CEO, Elon Musk.
Musk is a close confidant of U.S. President Donald Trump in his role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which has implemented sweeping cuts to the United State's civil service.
Amid a U.S.-Canada trade war that has had chilling effects on bilateral relationships, Tesla dealerships and cars have seen protests and vandalism in recent weeks, and the company's products have been excluded from B.C.'s electric vehicle rebate programs.
Earlier this month, the Vancouver International Auto Show removed the U.S. electric carmaker from its event citing safety concerns.
On Saturday, protests against Musk and his company were organized around the world as part of what was dubbed the Tesla Takedown's Global Day of Action, with four demonstrations planned at Tesla dealerships in Vancouver and Surrey.
At one such dealership in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood, passing drivers loudly honked their horns and protesters held up signs denouncing Musk, accusing him of promoting an atmosphere of hate and authoritarianism.
"My late mother and my 94-year-old father fought for people's rights and freedoms, for progressive values, all their lives," said teacher Joellen Housego. "My dad's in a wheelchair now, and my mom passed away about a year ago.
"So I'm here for them to stand up for what they believed in and what I believe in, and to protect people who are vulnerable."
Tensions briefly flared at the protest when demonstrators were confronted by a small group of counter-protesters, some wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat.
Despite the confrontation, police say the protest remained peaceful.
"Officers observed what was happening and ultimately, the people, the protesters who came were peaceful," said Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department. He confirmed no arrests were made during the protests in Vancouver on Saturday.
VPD did have extra officers on the ground, however. On Friday, the departement said it would be deploying 130 more officers than usual to ensure protests remained lawful.
The Surrey Police Service said it had no plan to deploy more officers for protests planned in its community, noting that past demonstrations at Tesla dealerships have been peaceful.
Juan Pablo Alperin, one of the event organizers, emphasized that while demonstrators strongly oppose Musk's influence, the movement is committed to non-violence.
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