U.S. Embassy Accuses Canada of Election Interference

The U.S. Embassy in Canada accused Canadian officials of trying to influence American politics, citing tariff-related statements and activity ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Canadian leaders rejected the characterization, saying their actions were intended to protect Canadian interests and were not election interference. The embassy set out its allegation in a fact sheet released October 21. It argued that Canadian officials had described efforts to pressure the United States over tariffs, including measures aimed at politically important states, and had engaged with American politicians. The document warned Canadians against attempting to participate in or influence U.S. elections. Among the examples, the embassy cited Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s comments about targeting products affecting U.S. states and applying political pressure. It also referred to her meetings with American politicians. Joly has said her visits were intended to attract investment and rejected the claim that her actions amounted to interference. The fact sheet also pointed to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s calls for retaliatory measures and an anti-tariff advertising campaign by Ontario. It...