Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke Endorses Tax-Based Weighted Voting

Shopify CEO and co-founder Tobias Lutke endorsed a proposal on X that would significantly restrict voting rights in Canada. Lutke supported a plan suggested by retired banker Eric Thor to implement weighted voting proportional to income tax payments. Under this proposed system, individuals who pay no income tax would receive zero votes, while those paying higher taxes would receive more votes, capped at five for those earning $500,000 or more.

Lutke further argued that individuals receiving locked-in pensions should be classified as dependents, similar to minors, and therefore lose their right to vote. He asserted that people with a "stake in the future" should decide the direction of the country.

These comments sparked significant online backlash and debate. The incident aligns with Lutke's reputation as an online provocateur who frequently defends free speech and criticizes Canadian attitudes toward the United States.