Canada's industry minister is pushing back after the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa circulated a document accusing Canadian politicians of trying to sway American elections. Mélanie Joly told reporters on Thursday that the election interference claims are wrong, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has also denied that Canada's counter-tariffs were aimed at the U.S. midterms.

What does the U.S. document allege?

The unsigned "fact sheet," handed to journalists on Wednesday, says Canadian ministers and premiers have openly described plans to influence American politics, according to POLITICO. It names Joly, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and Bernadette Jordan, a former Liberal cabinet minister now serving as Canada's consul general in Boston. The memo ties the concern to retaliatory tariffs and suggestions of political pressure on Washington.

How did Joly respond?

Joly rejected the allegation outright, saying "Absolutely not" when asked about foreign interference, according to Global News. She said her meetings with American politicians on both sides of the aisle are part of her job, not an attempt to shape U.S. votes. She also suggested Washington should deal with problems it has created, which she said are "hurting people on both sides of the border."

Why does this matter for Canada-U.S. relations?

The exchange lands during the American midterm campaign, a period when foreign governments are usually careful about public activity in the United States. Canadian diplomats have been told to keep public engagements to a minimum for the rest of the campaign, which Ottawa calls standard practice. The dispute adds tension to a relationship already strained by tariffs, and it puts a spotlight on how Canadian officials talk about U.S. policy while defending domestic industry.

What happens next?

No formal investigation has been announced, and the U.S. document carries no signature. For now, the focus is on whether Washington escalates the complaint or accepts Ottawa's explanation. Canadian officials are likely to keep their U.S. appearances low-key until the midterms are over.

FAQ

Who is named in the U.S. Embassy document?

It names Joly, Premier Doug Ford, MP Anthony Housefather and consul general Bernadette Jordan.

Did Canada change its diplomatic plans?

Yes. Canadian diplomats in the U.S. were instructed to limit public engagements during the midterm campaign, which Ottawa described as routine.