As the United States prepares for its midterm elections, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has raised concerns about potential Canadian interference.
On October 21, the embassy published a fact sheet detailing what it claims are examples of Canadians influencing American elections. The document cites Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s assertions that Canada is pressuring American businesses in key Republican states; Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather campaigning in Florida for Democratic congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz ahead of her primary; Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s $75-million anti-tariff ad campaign; a Canadian consul general attending trade events with Democrats only; and federal billboards placed in mostly Republican states.
The embassy further points to ordinary Canadians convicted or charged with voting illegally in U.S. elections, concluding with the statement: “Americans decide America’s elections.”
In response, the Canadian federal government denies any interference but has recently instructed its diplomats in the United States not to meet with midterm candidates.
