ISTANBUL — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday there is "no merit" to American claims that Canada is interfering in U.S. politics ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, pushing back on the Trump administration and its ambassador in Ottawa at a news conference in Istanbul.
"I'm disappointed that their envoy sees that it's his role to make these suggestions," Carney said of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. The U.S. embassy in Canada this week circulated what it called a "fact sheet" accusing Ottawa of trying to sway U.S. politics, and Hoekstra has said the administration is watching Canadian politicians closely ahead of the midterms and warned them to butt out of American politics.
"We have lots of interaction with American companies, citizens, individuals, and stakeholders more broadly and we're very careful to not be seen to interfere," Carney said. "We have no intention to interfere with their democratic processes." Canadian diplomats were told this week not to meet with or attend events with candidates in the U.S. midterm elections amid a period of "heightened sensitivity."
The prime minister also made clear the dispute will not derail trade talks, saying Canada is ready to negotiate a trade deal with Washington and will not halt talks over U.S. elections.
American voters are preparing to cast ballots in tight midterm elections that will turn on a small number of closely fought races.