US Embassy Accuses Canada of 'Electoral Sabotage'; Ottawa Responds with $9 Billion Package

Tensions between the United States and Canada have escalated following accusations by the US Embassy in Ottawa that Canadian officials interfered in the congressional midterm elections scheduled for next November.

The US Embassy cited official Canadian statements and documents containing meetings with American Democrats, as well as calls by officials (such as Doug Ford) to impose retaliatory tariffs on US states that represent key support bases for the Trump administration.

The Canadian response was decisive, delivered by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who rejected these claims outright. He noted that recent Canadian moves—including the announcement of an economic support package worth 9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion US dollars)—are a legitimate reaction to protect local jobs and businesses against restrictions and tariffs imposed first by Washington.

In this context, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly denied any intention to interfere, confirming that her recent meetings with state governors and American candidates focused exclusively on attracting investments.

Additionally, Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized that ballot choices belong solely to the American people, denying interest in influencing the course of the electoral process.

These developments follow warnings issued by US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra regarding Washington's scrutiny of Canadian politicians, and the Trump administration's accusation that Ottawa made inappropriate remarks concerning a referendum on the separation of Alberta province.

The US diplomatic mission faces growing public anger within Canada; a petition demanding Hoekstra's dismissal has gathered more than 280,000 signatures so far, amid mutual concern over the impact of the upcoming congressional election results on the remainder of Donald Trump's second presidential term.

Source: BBC