US Embassy Accuses Canada of Midterm Interference; Ottawa Denies Claims

The US Embassy in Ottawa released a factsheet on October 21 alleging potential Canadian interference in the upcoming November 3 US midterm elections. The document lists statements by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as examples of attempts to influence American politics.

Washington specifically pointed to Joly’s discussions about targeting politically sensitive American states with retaliatory tariffs and her meetings with Democratic officials. The embassy also cited Ford’s anti-tariff campaign as part of the alleged effort.

“Americans decide America’s elections.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford both denied the allegations during a news conference on Wednesday. Carney stated that Canada’s trade actions were responses to US trade measures designed to protect Canadian jobs and companies.

The dispute centers on whether pressure to change another country’s policies crosses the line into election interference. The embassy warned that “Americans decide America’s elections,” though the factsheet records an administration position rather than establishing a legal violation.

Canada maintains that its actions are in the interest of Canadian workers, families, and the future of its economy. The government insists it is not getting involved in the American midterms.

The confrontation adds a political dimension to the ongoing tariff war between the two countries. Washington’s allegations come as trade tensions remain high ahead of the US midterm vote.