Canada rejects US embassy claims of interference in midterm elections

The United States Embassy in Ottawa has leveled allegations against Canadian politicians, claiming they are attempting to influence American politics ahead of the upcoming congressional midterm elections.

In a document published on Wednesday, American diplomats stated that federal ministers and provincial premiers have disregarded concerns regarding election interference while publicly outlining strategies to shape political outcomes in the US. The embassy pointed to engagements between Canadian officials and Democratic Party figures, alongside discussions regarding targeted counter-tariffs designed to pressure areas vital to the US administration.

Canadian leaders swiftly rejected the accusations. Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his government's stance, emphasizing that Washington had started the cross-border trade dispute. Speaking alongside Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford during the announcement of a support plan worth roughly 9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion US dollars) for tariff-hit sectors, Carney argued that Canada's counter-measures were created strictly to safeguard domestic employment, businesses, and economic stability.

The diplomatic friction reflects escalating tensions during the second presidential term of Donald Trump, as both nations clash over trade policies and border tariffs that replaced previously smooth commercial relations. The midterms will determine party control over both houses of the US Congress, shaping the remainder of the president's legislative agenda.

The embassy document highlighted remarks by Joly, who had acknowledged holding meetings with American state governors and prospective future presidential candidates when questioned about potential tariff shifts under a Democratic majority. It also cited proposals from Ford urging Ottawa to levy duties against imports originating from areas politically crucial to the current US administration.

Ford refuted claims of meddling, stating that he has no intention of influencing American voting decisions. He remarked that citizens in the United States desire stability and certainty, adding that voters there will independently decide the outcome of the midterm contests while he remains concentrated on provincial matters.

Joly previously rejected the interference claims during an appearance reported by the CBC, noting that Canadians would not tolerate foreign meddling in their own domestic politics. She explained that her travels south of the border were undertaken solely to encourage investment from American corporations.

The dispute follows warnings earlier in the month from US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who cautioned that Washington was observing Canadian politicians for potential interference. Meanwhile, a public petition demanding Hoekstra be removed from his diplomatic role over damaged bilateral relations has surpassed 280,000 signatures.