Politics
Ottawa orders diplomats to avoid U.S. candidates until midterm vote
Canada’s foreign affairs department has told diplomats to limit public events and avoid being photographed with U.S. lawmakers through Nov. 3. The guidance comes amid U.S. accusations that Canadian leaders have interfered in American campaigns, which Canadian officials deny.
OTTAWA — Canada has directed its diplomats to steer clear of U.S. election candidates and avoid being photographed with American lawmakers until voters decide control of Congress on Nov. 3.
Global Affairs Canada issued the guidance Tuesday, according to the department’s spokesperson. It came a day before the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa criticized several Canadian leaders over alleged political interference in U.S. campaigns. Canadian officials have rejected the accusation.
“Government officials are always instructed to limit public events and stakeholder engagement during election periods in their host country,” the spokesperson said.
The guidance applies during the final stretch of the U.S. midterm campaign, when voters will choose members of Congress. Its instruction to avoid photographs with lawmakers is intended to keep Canadian officials from appearing to take sides in the election.
At a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford said their priority was the economy. Ford said he had “no interest at all in interfering in the American elections.”