Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates

Posted October 22, 2026 3:02 pm.

Last Updated October 22, 2026 3:19 pm.

OTTAWA — Canadian diplomats were directed this week not to meet with or attend events with candidates in the U.S. midterm elections.

Glen Linder, assistant deputy minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada, sent a memo midday Tuesday to members of the foreign service in the United States.

The memo, which was obtained by The Canadian Press, says if diplomats find themselves “in the same physical space” as a candidate or elected official, they should avoid being photographed or having their name or position appear in any public communications materials.

The memo says those instructions are similar to those in place during election periods in Canada, when public servants are expected to avoid contact with elected officials except in exceptional circumstances.

The memo comes as the Trump administration accuses Canadian politicians of interfering in American elections.

While Prime Minister Mark Carney has disputed the suggestion of Canadian interference, the memo says that, given “heightened sensitivity,” the department must take a “very risk-averse approach.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2026.

The Canadian Press

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