US accuses Canada of election interference ahead of midterms

US accuses Canada of election interference ahead of midterms

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The US Embassy in Ottawa has accused Canadian officials of election meddling ahead of the November midterms, according to a fact sheet released by the embassy. The fact sheet alleges that Canadian leaders have brushed off concerns over "potential interference" and that ministers and premiers "openly describe plans to influence American politics in official documents and public appearances". Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have dismissed the claims. Relations between the North American neighbours have hardened during the second Trump administration. The midterms will determine which political party controls both branches of the US Congress, which could have a significant impact on the rest of Donald Trump's presidency.

The fact sheet released by the US Embassy on Wednesday alleges the Canadian government "brushes off concerns about potential interference in U.S. elections, even as its ministers and premiers openly describe plans to influence American politics in official documents and public appearances". It cites comments and actions, like meetings with US Democrats and calling for retaliatory tariffs against the US. For example, it says that when Industry Minister Mélanie Joly was asked what she expected regarding tariffs if Democrats were to win midterm elections, she responded, "That's exactly why I'm meeting so many governors and potential presidential candidates."

Ontario Premier Doug Ford pushed Canada's federal government, it states, to consider additional retaliatory tariffs on imports from "politically significant states to the current administration's base of support". Asked on Wednesday about the allegations, Carney noted that it was the US that first initiated trade actions against Canada. "We've responded to those to protect Canadian jobs, to protect Canadian companies and develop our economy," Carney said. He said his government's response has been "in the interests of Canadian workers, Canadian families and the future of this economy".

Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have denied the allegations of election interference. Carney said that his government's response to US tariffs has been in the interests of Canadian workers, families, and the economy. Ford also denied any interest in interfering in US elections, stating that his government's actions were focused on protecting Canadian jobs and companies.