ISTANBUL/OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is “disappointed” in ongoing allegations from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, who is accusing Canadian politicians of interfering in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
“There is no merit to these claims, so I’ll call it out that way,” Carney said while speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday. “I’m disappointed that their envoy sees that it’s his role to make these suggestions.”
Carney added that Canada is “very careful” to make sure the country “not be seen to” interfere and referenced Canada’s “deep diplomatic presence” in the United States.
Earlier this month, Hoekstra warned Canadian leaders to stay out of American politics while speaking to “The Really Big Show” podcast and accused several Canadian politicians, including Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, of meddling in close U.S. midterm races.
The U.S. Embassy to Canada, meanwhile, released a fact sheet this week outlining alleged instances of foreign interference in 2025 and 2026, pointing to Joly along with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Liberal MP Anthony Housefather.
All this comes as Global Affairs Canada reportedly issued an advisory to Canadian diplomats based in the U.S. to avoid appearing with midterm candidates.
Carney said that guidance came well before Hoekstra’s allegations.
“Our global affairs group, well in advance of these fact sheets and allegations, has been reminding everybody: be careful who you are even seen with, who you’re physically in the same place as, so that such unsubstantiated allegations can’t be made,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to face a big test during the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3. as several American polls show his approval falling to record lows.
The midterms happen midway through a four-year presidential election cycle and could change the balance of political power in Washington.
Asked if he thinks the U.S. will blame Canada for poor midterm results for the Republican Party and respond with additional tariffs, Carney said, “I don’t see that coming to pass,” but added he “can’t predict what the United States is going to do.”
