U.S. embassy accuses Canadian politicians of plans to influence American politics
The list singles out Industry Minister Melanie Joly, who is quoted five times regarding Canada's response to U.S. tariffs.
OTTAWA · The U.S. embassy in Canada published a list of statements from Canadian politicians on Wednesday, claiming they reveal intentions to sway American politics. Industry Minister Melanie Joly appears five times in the document. The list presents her comments about pressuring U.S. businesses and targeting American states with counter tariffs without the context of her discussions on Canada's response to U.S. trade actions. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford rejected the implication that Canada is interfering in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Carney addressed the embassy's allegations during a news conference on Parliament Hill, where he was accompanied by Joly. He noted that the United States was the first to impose trade measures against Canada. The prime minister told reporters that all of Canada's subsequent actions have been focused on protecting national economic interests. He made the remarks while announcing a $9 billion aid package designed to counter the impact of American tariffs.
Premier Doug Ford, whose comments are also featured in the embassy's release, stated he has absolutely no desire to meddle in U.S. electoral politics. Ford said he believes Americans are seeking certainty and stability. He added that his government's priority is safeguarding Ontario's economy and communities rather than influencing foreign elections. Voters in the United States will cast ballots in midterm elections on Nov. 3, which may shift the balance of power in Congress.
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U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra had warned earlier this month that officials were monitoring Canadian politicians for potential election interference. In a podcast interview released on Oct. 14, Hoekstra pointed to an Ontario government advertisement aired during last year's World Series as a possible example. That ad featured clips of former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, prompting President Donald Trump to halt trade talks with Canada in October 2025. Hoekstra also cited remarks by Joly and former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
The ambassador cautioned Canadian politicians to keep their "nose out" of American politics in the lead-up to the midterms. He specifically referenced Joly's comments about aiming retaliatory tariffs at politically sensitive U.S. states. Hoekstra stated that the United States would respond if any Canadian actions amounted to election interference. The embassy's social media post concluded with the statement, "Americans decide America's elections."
Joly defended her work last week, asserting that Canada would never engage in election interference. She said she has recently travelled to the United States to meet with both Democratic and Republican officials. "Fundamentally, what I've done in the U.S. is to attract investments," Joly told reporters. She expressed confidence about securing new investments from American companies and said that would remain her strategy. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau criticized the Trump administration's trade policies during a public discussion at Brown University on Sept. 22.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and The Globe and Mail