Canada Orders Diplomats to Avoid All Contact With US Midterm Candidates Amid Interference Fears

Canada issued written guidance on Tuesday directing its diplomats in the United States to stay away from all candidates running in the 2026 midterm elections, which cover every House seat and a third of Senate seats. Under the directive, Canadian officials are barred from meeting with or even being in the same room as those candidates unless they receive special permission, with the goal of keeping a low profile and pre-empting any allegations of political interference from the Trump administration.

The directive comes amid heightened tensions between Ottawa and Washington over the issue. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra had already warned Canadian politicians to keep their "nose out" of American politics in the weeks before the midterms, and the U.S. embassy in Canada released a list of quotes from Canadian politicians it claimed indicated plans to influence American elections. Industry Minister Melanie Joly was cited five times in that list.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both rejected the interference allegation. Carney, speaking after announcing a $9 billion aid package in response to U.S. tariffs, said all Canadian actions are in the interests of Canadian workers and families. Ford said he has "no interest at all" in interfering in American elections. Joly similarly pushed back, saying Canada would never engage in election interference. The backdrop includes Trump ending trade talks with Canada in October 2025 after Ontario aired an ad during the World Series using clips of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.