Canada Orders Diplomats to Avoid U.S. Midterm Candidates Amid Interference Claims

The Canadian government has directed its diplomatic staff in the United States to avoid appearing with midterm candidates, according to reporting from CBC News and CityNews Toronto.

In a memo sent Tuesday by Glen Linder, assistant deputy minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada—which was obtained by The Canadian Press—staff were told to avoid being photographed with candidates or having their names appear in public communications materials. The directive further instructs diplomats to be cautious on social media and avoid picking sides. While Global Affairs Canada told CBC News that such guidance is routine during host-country elections, the memo emphasized a "risk-averse approach" due to "heightened sensitivity."

These instructions follow accusations from the Trump administration regarding "potential interference in U.S. elections." The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet alleging Canadian politicians plan to influence American politics, specifically citing Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The embassy's release also noted that Bernadette Jordan, Canada's consul general in Boston, was present at a Canada-U.S. trade event with Democratic candidates last week.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra and trade adviser Peter Navarro previously warned Canadians against involvement in the midterms. Hoekstra specifically highlighted Joly's comments regarding counter-tariff strategies in "politically sensitive states."

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Ford have both denied attempting to sway the U.S. vote. Carney stated that Canada's actions are intended to protect Canadian workers and the economy following trade actions initiated by the U.S. Joly has pushed back against the allegations, describing her meetings with both Republicans and Democrats as standard diplomacy aimed at attracting investment.