Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected US allegations that Canada is interfering in American elections, insisting that Ottawa will not become the United States’ “51st state” as tensions rise between the neighbouring countries.
“There is no merit to these claims,” Carney told reporters in Ankara, denying that Canada intended to interfere in US democratic processes.
He said Canada’s Global Affairs department had advised officials to be cautious about their contacts with US political figures to avoid providing grounds for “unsubstantiated allegations”.
“We have no intention to interfere with their democratic processes,” Carney said, adding that Canada was focused on strengthening its economy and expanding international partnerships.
“The president of the United States is under no illusions. It’s absolutely clear where I stand, where Canada stands, where Canadians stand. We will never be the 51st state,” he said.
Carney added that Ottawa remained willing to negotiate a trade agreement that served both countries’ interests but would not rush into a deal for political reasons.
Diplomats told to limit contact with candidates
The remarks came after Canada instructed its diplomats to avoid engaging with candidates in the upcoming US midterm elections, POLITICO reported on Thursday.
Global Affairs Canada issued the guidance on Tuesday, directing officials to limit public engagement and avoid being photographed with US lawmakers until November 3, the date of the midterm elections, according to the report.
“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.
The guidance reportedly applies to engagement with US lawmakers running in the elections but does not extend to American officials who are not candidates.
The directive came a day before the US Embassy in Ottawa circulated a fact sheet accusing several Canadian political leaders of interfering in American politics. Canadian officials have rejected the allegations.
Peter Navarro, a senior trade adviser to US President Donald Trump, said on Thursday that Canadians should stay out of US politics.
Dispute unfolds amid trade tensions
The row comes amid a broader trade conflict following Trump’s tariff measures against Canada.
Carney has defended Ottawa’s countermeasures as necessary to protect Canadian workers and businesses. Canada’s latest counter-tariffs, which took effect on September 8, target more than 700 products, including steel and aluminium.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has also denied any intention to influence the US vote, saying his government remains focused on economic issues.
During the midterm elections, Americans will elect members of the House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate, determining which party controls Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term.
