Ottawa directs diplomats to avoid U.S. midterm candidates amid interference tensions Global Affairs Canada has instructed Canadian diplomats in the United States not to meet with or attend events involving candidates in the U.S. midterm elections, citing heightened sensitivity over interference allegations. OTTAWA - Canadian diplomats have been directed not to meet with or attend events involving candidates in the U.S. midterm elections, according to a memo sent this week. Glen Linder, assistant deputy minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada, sent the directive midday Tuesday to members of the foreign service in the United States. The Canadian Press obtained the memo. The memo instructs diplomats to avoid the appearance of political involvement. If they find themselves in the same physical space as a candidate or elected official, they should avoid being photographed and ensure their name or position does not appear in any public communications materials.Directives Mirror Canadian Election NeutralityThe directive says these instructions mirror those in place during Canadian election periods, when public servants are expected to avoid contact with elected officials except in exceptional circumstances. The memo arrives as the Trump administration accuses Canadian politicians of interfering in American elections. Prime Minister Mark Carney has disputed the suggestion of Canadian interference. Despite that denial, the memo states that given the heightened sensitivity, the department must take a very risk-averse approach.The memo was dated Tuesday, October 22, 2026, and was reported by The Canadian Press the same day. It applies to Canadian diplomats working across the United States as the midterm election season intensifies. Canadian diplomats are being told to avoid any interactions that could be perceived as meddling. This includes not attending campaign events or appearing alongside candidates in any public setting.The directive also requires diplomats to ensure their names and positions are not used in any public communications materials if they are present at an event where a candidate or elected official also appears. Global Affairs Canada says the guidelines are consistent with standard practice in Canada during elections, where public servants must remain neutral and avoid contact with elected officials except in extraordinary situations.Ottawa Takes Risk Averse Stance Amid ScrutinyThe approach reflects growing caution in Ottawa as Canada-U.S. relations face heightened scrutiny over election interference claims. The department says it must be very risk-averse given the current environment. The directive is meant to protect Canadian diplomats from being drawn into U.S. political disputes. It also aims to prevent any appearance that Canada is taking sides in the midterm contests.The memo was sent to foreign service members at Canadian missions throughout the United States. It follows public accusations from the Trump administration that Canadian politicians have interfered in American elections. Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected those allegations. The memo nonetheless underscores that Ottawa is taking no chances.Canadian public servants are already subject to strict neutrality rules during Canadian elections. The new directive extends similar expectations to diplomats operating in the United States during the midterm campaign. Global Affairs Canada has not publicly commented on the memo, which was obtained by The Canadian Press and first published on October 22, 2026. The directive comes at a time when bilateral tensions are already elevated.Trump Administration Accusations Drive Strict GuidelinesThe Trump administration has repeatedly criticized Canada on trade and other issues. By ordering diplomats to stay away from candidates and elected officials, Ottawa is seeking to minimize any risk of being accused of interference. The memo describes the approach as very risk-averse. Diplomats are told to avoid being photographed with candidates and to make sure their names or positions do not appear in public communications materials if they happen to be in the same physical space.The directive is similar to the rules that apply to public servants during Canadian election campaigns. In those periods, contact with elected officials is generally prohibited except in exceptional circumstances. The memo was sent by Glen Linder, assistant deputy minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada. It was distributed to foreign service members in the United States at midday Tuesday.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2026.