Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates

The Canadian government has instructed its diplomats to refrain from meeting with or attending events featuring candidates in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, according to a memo obtained by The Canadian Press. Glen Linder, assistant deputy minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada, sent the directive to foreign service members in the United States.

The memo advises diplomats to avoid being photographed in close proximity to candidates and to prevent their names or positions from appearing in public communications materials if such encounters occur. Meetings with other elected officials who are not midterm candidates can still take place, but they must be pre-approved by senior officials.

This guidance mirrors the protocols used during Canadian election periods. The directive is a response to heightened sensitivity surrounding allegations of Canadian interference in the U.S. midterms. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have both refuted these claims, stating that Canada has never interfered in American elections.

The U.S. embassy in Canada released a list of quotes from Canadian politicians that it claims indicate attempts to influence the American political landscape. Prime Minister Carney emphasized that all actions taken by Canada are in the interests of Canadian workers and families. The midterm elections in the United States are scheduled for November 3, which could potentially alter the composition of Congress.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, has been monitoring Canadian politicians for any signs of election interference and warned them to stay away from American politics in the lead-up to the elections.