OMM Newsroom
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday rejected claims that Canada was planning to interfere in next month’s midterm elections in the United States. Speaking to reporters during an official visit to Türkiye, he said he was disappointed by remarks from the US ambassador, AnewZ reported.
“These claims have no basis,” Carney said. He added that he was “disappointed that the ambassador considers it his job to make such suggestions.”
Carney stressed that Canada had no intention of interfering in the November 3 elections, which will determine the balance of power in the US Congress.
On Wednesday, the US Embassy in Canada said Ottawa was not addressing concerns about possible interference in US elections, while Canadian ministers and provincial leaders were openly discussing plans to influence American politics.
A week earlier, US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said on a podcast that his message to Canadians was “not to get involved in American politics.”
Tensions in Canada-US relations
The remarks reflect strained relations between the neighboring countries. Canada withdrew in late August from talks on a possible trade deal, citing what it called unreasonable US demands.
US President Donald Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly said he could annex the country. Trump’s approval rating in the United States has fallen to a record low, while polls suggest the Republican Party could perform poorly in the midterm elections.
Asked whether a poor election result for Trump could prompt him to impose additional tariffs on Canada, Carney said he considered that unlikely.
The unsuccessful trade talks had been aimed in part at reducing some tariffs. Carney said Canada was in no rush to sign a deal and, for the first time, suggested Ottawa could wait until Trump’s presidency ends.
“If it takes months, longer, or waiting for another administration to secure an appropriate deal, we will do that,” Carney said.
Carney’s visit to Türkiye is part of Canada’s broader efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on the US economy. During the first official visit to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister, Ottawa and Ankara established a strategic partnership covering trade, defense, energy and people-to-people ties.
“My position, Canada’s position and the position of Canadians is absolutely clear. We will never be the 51st state. We will go our own way,” Carney said.
