Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected U.S. allegations of Canadian election interference on October 23, saying the claims lacked merit. Speaking in Istanbul, he expressed disappointment with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, Reuters and the Canadian Press reported. The dispute comes ahead of the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.
The U.S. embassy alleged on Wednesday that Canadian ministers and provincial leaders had described plans to influence American politics. According to AP, it cited Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s discussion of retaliatory tariffs and Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan. These were allegations from Washington, which Carney disputed.
The Canadian Press reported that Global Affairs Canada instructed diplomats on Tuesday to avoid meetings and events with midterm candidates. Carney said Canada maintained extensive contacts in the United States but took care to avoid even the appearance of electoral interference. He presented that caution as part of Canada’s diplomatic practice.
Reuters linked the confrontation to strained relations after trade talks broke down in August. Carney said he did not expect Republican election losses to become a justification for further U.S. tariffs. He nevertheless indicated that Canada would wait months, or even for another U.S. administration, rather than accept an unsuitable agreement.
The visit also highlighted Ottawa’s efforts to diversify partnerships. Carney’s office said on October 23 that Canada and Türkiye had launched a strategic partnership covering trade, defence and energy. It announced that the first round of free-trade negotiations would take place in Ankara from November 30 to December 4, 2026.
For negotiations with Washington, Carney said Canada remained ready to resume talks if the United States negotiated in good faith, the Canadian Press reported. Whether an agreement could come before the midterms depended on Washington, he said. His remarks left the timing of a trade settlement uncertain while maintaining Canada’s rejection of the interference allegations.
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