Canada tells its diplomats to stay away from US midterm candidates: Report

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Canada has instructed its diplomats to avoid engaging with candidates in the upcoming US midterm elections, Politico reported Thursday, amid tensions between Ottawa and Washington over allegations of political interference.

Global Affairs Canada issued the guidance on Tuesday, telling officials to limit public engagement and avoid being photographed with US lawmakers, according to the report.

The directive remains in effect until Nov. 3, the date of the midterm elections.

During the elections, Americans will choose members of the House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate, contests that will determine which party controls Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.

“Government officials are always instructed to limit public events and stakeholder engagement during election periods in their host country,” a Global Affairs Canada spokesperson said in a statement.

The guidance came a day before the US Embassy in Ottawa circulated a fact sheet accusing several Canadian political leaders of interfering in American politics, allegations that Canadian officials have rejected.

Peter Navarro, a senior trade adviser to Trump, said Thursday that Canadians should stay out of US politics, repeating remarks he made in Washington last month.

Navarro welcomed the attention generated by the embassy’s allegations but said he had not spoken with US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra about the matter.

The dispute comes amid a broader trade conflict between the neighboring countries following Trump’s tariff measures.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended Ottawa’s countermeasures, saying they are necessary to protect Canadian workers and businesses.

Canada’s latest counter-tariffs, which took effect on Sept. 8, target more than 700 products, with steel and aluminum among the main targets.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also denied any intention to influence the US vote, saying his government was focused on economic issues.

According to POLITICO, the Canadian directive applies to engagement with US lawmakers but does not extend to American officials who are not running in the midterm elections.

Berk Kutay Gökmen