The US embassy accused Canadian politicians of trying to influence American elections through their response to tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford rejected the allegation, saying their priority was protecting Canada’s economy. The dispute comes before the November 3 US midterms and follows last year’s breakdown in trade talks.
The US embassy in Canada accused Canadian politicians on October 21 of seeking to influence American elections through their response to US tariffs. Its statement assembled remarks about pressure on American businesses and counter-tariffs aimed at particular states. Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly featured repeatedly among the politicians cited. The embassy presented those public statements as evidence of political interference.[1], [2]
Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the accusation at a Parliament Hill news conference with Joly beside him. He said the United States had initiated the trade measures and Canada was acting for its workers, families and economic future. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also denied seeking to interfere in American elections. Ford said his government’s priorities were protecting Ontario’s and Canada’s economies, people and communities.[1]
The dispute comes before the November 3 US midterms. US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra had already raised interference concerns about Ontario’s advertising campaign from the previous year. That campaign used clips of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. Trump subsequently stopped trade talks with Canada in October 2025. Joly said her meetings with both Democratic and Republican politicians were intended to attract investment to Canada.[1]
