US midterms 2026: Mark Carney rejects US claim of election interference, says 'no merit'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney/Image: Reuters Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected allegations that Ottawa intends to interfere in the upcoming US midterm elections, criticising Washington’s ambassador for suggesting that Canadian officials were seeking to influence American politics.Speaking to reporters during an official visit to Turkey on Friday, Carney said Canada had no plans to intervene in the November 3 elections and dismissed the accusations as unfounded.“There is no merit to these claims,” he said. “I'm disappointed their envoy sees that as his role to make these suggestions.”The dispute adds to tensions between the neighbouring countries following the collapse of trade negotiations in August. Canada withdrew from discussions over a potential agreement, citing what it described as unreasonable demands from the US.The US embassy in Canada criticised Ottawa on Wednesday, accusing Canadian officials of brushing aside concerns about election interference while ministers and provincial premiers openly discussed plans to influence American politics.A week earlier, US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra had urged Canadians to stay out of US political affairs dur...