Carney Rejects US Embassy Midterm Interference Claims

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected U.S. accusations that Ottawa is trying to influence the November 3 midterm elections, saying Canada’s actions are responses to U.S. trade measures and are intended to protect Canadian workers and businesses. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa’s fact sheet pointed to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s meetings with Democratic officials and comments about tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s advocacy for retaliatory tariffs and advertising campaign, and other Canadian political activity in the United States. The embassy did not link Canadians cited for past illegal voting to any government-directed effort. Joly and Ford also denied seeking to meddle, with Joly describing her U.S. outreach as an effort to attract investment. The dispute comes amid strained relations over tariffs and stalled trade talks; Carney said Canada was in no rush to reach a deal, even if that meant waiting for another U.S. administration.