The U.S. ambassador tells Canadian politicians to “keep your nose out of American politics.” Joly says Canada would never interfere
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said American officials are closely watching Canadian politicians for signs of interference in next month’s midterm elections, CBC and the Globe and Mail reported; the Globe said he spoke on a podcast. The National Post reported that he pointed to an Ontario government anti-tariff television ad that aired last year, and to comments by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, as things that could be viewed as interference. The Toronto Star and CTV News carried his line that Canadians should keep their nose out of American politics. Ms. Joly replied that Canada would never interfere in U.S. elections, per the Globe. The same day, CTV News and TVA Nouvelles reported that Mr. Trump said Canada would become the 51st state because that is the only way it works.
It adds an irritant to a relationship already strained by tariffs, and with trade talks that analysts told the National Post need restarting.
No day-to-day change, but tariff uncertainty continues to affect Canadian exporters and prices.
The American view is that foreign governments should not use ads or public remarks to influence U.S. voters.
Ms. Joly says Canada would never interfere, and critics of the accusation argue that opposing U.S. tariffs is an argument about trade policy, not an attempt to pick winners.
The accusation rests on an ad and some remarks, not a specific act. Watch for whether Washington cites anything more concrete, and whether Ottawa or Ontario respond.
DailyDrop Canada edition No. 11 · Morning · THU., OCT. 15, 2026