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Ontario billionaire under fire for arguing poor people shouldn't be able to vote

A German-Canadian billionaire, Tobias "Tobi" Lütke, is facing criticism for his online comments suggesting that people who don't earn an income should not be eligible to vote in elections. Lütke, the founder and CEO of Shopify, commented on a post calling for a "weighted voting proportional to the level of income tax you pay," saying it is a "good system." This has sparked a backlash, with many people expressing their disagreement with the idea that wealth should determine one's voting power.

The concept of weighted voting is not new, but it is a controversial topic that raises questions about the fairness and equality of the electoral system. In Canada, the right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it is guaranteed to all citizens regardless of their income or social status. The idea that wealth should be a factor in determining one's voting power is not supported by the Canadian electoral system, which is based on the principle of one person, one vote.

Lütke's comments have been met with criticism from many people, including former radio personality Dean Blundell, who accused Lütke of pushing an idea that may get his employees dismissed. Other users on social media have also expressed their frustration and disagreement with Lütke's comments, with some calling him out for his perceived contempt for people who are not of his social class.

It is not clear what the implications of Lütke's comments are, or whether they will have any impact on the Canadian electoral system. However, the controversy surrounding his comments highlights the importance of protecting the right to vote and ensuring that all citizens have an equal say in the democratic process. For more information on the Canadian electoral system and the right to vote, readers can visit the official Government of Canada website.

The backlash against Lütke's comments is a reminder that the right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and that it should be protected and guaranteed to all citizens regardless of their income or social status. As the controversy surrounding Lütke's comments continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further discussion and debate about the importance of protecting the right to vote and ensuring that all citizens have an equal say in the democratic process.

In the meantime, readers can stay informed about the Canadian electoral system and the right to vote by visiting the official Government of Canada website. It is also important for readers to be aware of the potential implications of weighted voting and to consider the potential consequences of such a system. By staying informed and engaged, readers can help to protect the right to vote and ensure that all citizens have an equal say in the democratic process.

Original reporting: blogTO

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 27, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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