Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected U.S. Allegations that Canadian politicians are interfering in the November midterm elections, calling the claims meritless and criticizing U.S. Carney made the comments Friday while speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Turkey, after the U.S. Embassy in Canada issued a fact sheet accusing Canadian officials and politicians of describing plans to influence American politics. Carney said Canadian diplomats were careful to avoid even the appearance of election interference and questioned whether making such accusations was an appropriate role for the ambassador.
It cited Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s comments that Canadian countermeasures would target politically important states and products, including her statement in August that Ottawa was being strategic in applying political pressure. The embassy also pointed to Joly’s meetings with U.S. Joly has rejected the characterization, saying her American visits were intended to attract investment and that Canada would not interfere in U.S.
Hoekstra had raised the issue publicly before the embassy released its fact sheet. He specifically mentioned Joly’s tariff remarks, Housefather’s campaign work and an Ontario government advertising campaign that used excerpts from a Ronald Reagan speech criticizing tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has denied seeking to influence U.S. Elections, while a former Conservative leader said policy disagreements and tariff retaliation should not be treated as election interference.
The embassy also cited 11 Canadians charged with illegally voting in U.S. The dispute comes as Washington and Ottawa remain locked in a broader trade confrontation and as Trump continues to say Canada should become the 51st U.S. Carney said Canada was prepared to resume tariff negotiations immediately if Washington negotiated in good faith, but could wait months or until another administration for an acceptable agreement. Election and emphasized that Canada would remain sovereign rather than become part of the United States.