The United States has formally accused Canadian officials of attempting to influence the upcoming American midterm elections. A fact sheet issued by the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday alleged that Canada’s public actions and statements were aimed at swaying voter sentiment in November. The document cited remarks by Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as examples of interference. Joly, speaking in August, said Canada would target products from states that supported Trump’s tariff agenda, describing the move as a strategic effort to apply political pressure. In September, she met with Democratic leaders in Boston and Chicago, and when questioned about the impact of a Democratic victory on tariffs, she indicated that such outcomes were precisely why she was engaging with potential future officeholders. Joly has denied any intent to interfere, stating that her meetings with officials from both parties were intended to promote Canadian investment and economic interests. The embassy also referenced Ontario’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and a promotional campaign that featured archival audio of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing protectionist policies. That campaign prompted Trump to suspend trade negotiations with Canada in October 2025. The fact sheet did not provide evidence linking Canadian government policy to direct electoral manipulation, nor did it establish a coordinated effort between Canadian officials and partisan actors. Separately, the document named eleven individuals who had been charged or sentenced for voting in U.S. elections between 2012 and 2024, but it did not connect these cases to any Canadian government initiative. The U.S. Embassy emphasized that all Canadians should refrain from participating in or influencing U.S. elections, asserting that American voters alone determine American outcomes. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra previously said Washington was monitoring Canadian activity for signs of interference, and that any confirmed meddling would trigger a response. The diplomatic tension reflects broader strain in U.S.-Canada relations since Trump’s return to the presidency, including repeated suggestions that Canada could become the 51st state and reports of Alberta separatist leaders seeking support from Trump-aligned figures ahead of a recent independence referendum. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged foreign governments, including the United States, to stay out of domestic electoral processes, stating that Canada expects reciprocal restraint. Al Jazeera has sought comment from the Prime Minister’s Office, Global Affairs Canada, the Ontario premier’s office, and Industry Minister Joly.