U.S. Embassy accuses Canadian officials of downplaying alleged election interference

In a Wednesday release, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa claimed the Canadian government is brushing aside U.S. concerns that Canadian officials may be interfering in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections. The statement pointed to comments by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly as potential attempts to influence the vote, adding examples like a Boston trade gathering attended by Consul General Bernadette Jordan and a Liberal MP campaigning for a Florida Democrat.

Carney responded that Canada’s actions are aimed at protecting Canadian jobs and the economy, while Ford said he has no interest in meddling in American elections. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said American officials are closely monitoring Canadian politicians for signs of interference, referencing Joly’s remarks on counter-tariffs and an Ontario “Ronald Reagan” ad aired in the U.S. The embassy also noted that Canada has a high number of prosecutions for illegal voting and listed eleven Canadians charged with voting fraud in past U.S. elections. Canadian officials, including Joly, rejected the allegations, asserting Canada would never engage in election interference.