The Canadian government has instructed its embassy and consulate staff to refrain from associating with U.S. midterm candidates, as reported by a knowledgeable source. These directives were issued in two separate notices over the past month. The guidance from Global Affairs Canada, deemed standard procedure, coincides with allegations from Trump administration officials regarding potential interference in U.S. elections by Canadian authorities.
Diplomatic personnel were advised to exercise caution on social media, remain impartial, and avoid taking photos with candidates. According to the source, these instructions were described as routine reminders. Global Affairs Canada’s spokesperson confirmed that the department routinely provides guidelines to Canadian missions abroad during election periods, emphasizing the need for officials to limit public engagements.
In response to the government notices, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet listing instances that it suggests could constitute interference, including the appearance of Canada’s consul general in Boston, Bernadette Jordan, at a trade event with Democratic candidates. The embassy’s statement followed warnings from Trump administration officials, Peter Navarro and Pete Hoekstra, cautioning Canadians against involvement in the U.S. midterms.
Hoekstra specifically mentioned Industry Minister Mélanie Joly in connection with potential meddling, pointing to past instances related to Canada’s tariff strategies. Joly has refuted claims of election influence, highlighting her bipartisan engagements during visits to the U.S. as part of diplomatic duties. The embassy’s release also referenced Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney in relation to the ongoing trade disputes and their denial of any attempts to sway American voters.
The trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have emerged as a focal point in the upcoming midterm elections, particularly impacting Republican candidates in border states like Michigan and Maine. Calls to end the tariff disputes and distance from Trump’s trade policies have been echoed by candidates like Mike Rogers and Senator Susan Collins as they navigate the political landscape.