--- title: "Canada tells diplomats to avoid U.S. midterm candidates" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates" category: "Politics" published: "2026-10-22T20:05:11.848Z" source_reported: "2026-10-22T19:22:50.853Z" updated: "2026-10-22T21:00:15.654Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 60 hype_score: 20 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-22T22:00:19.996687+00:00" --- # Canada tells diplomats to avoid U.S. midterm candidates *Global Affairs Canada issued guidance to staff in the United States regarding election events.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. One full report and one source with knowledge of notices corroborate the central claim. - Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. The story is clearly written and holds together, with a named official and memo cited. - Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language used is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Canadian diplomats in the U.S. have been advised by Global Affairs Canada to avoid appearing with or posing for photos with U.S. midterm candidates. - Two separate notices were issued within the last month, with the latest sent before the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet on alleged interference. - U.S. officials have accused Canadian officials of potential interference, with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly specifically mentioned. - Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have denied attempting to influence U.S. elections. Global Affairs Canada has issued advice to its embassy and consulate staff in the United States to avoid appearing with U.S. midterm candidates. The guidance, described as routine reminders, includes instructions not to pick sides and to avoid posing for photographs with candidates. Two separate notices were sent out in the last month. The advice follows accusations from U.S. officials, including trade adviser Peter Navarro and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, of potential interference in U.S. elections by Canadian officials. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet detailing instances it alleged could amount to interference. These included references to Canada's consul general in Boston appearing at an event with Democratic candidates and comments made by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly regarding Canada's counter-tariff strategy. Canadian officials have pushed back against the interference claims. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated she has met with both Republicans and Democrats during recent trips to the U.S. as part of diplomacy. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also denied any interest in interfering in American elections, stating their actions are in the interest of Canadian workers and the economy. ## Disagreement on timing of notices CBC News reported that the most recent bulletin from Global Affairs Canada was sent out last week, before the U.S. Embassy issued its statement. CTV News and CP24, however, stated that Canadian diplomats were directed this week not to meet with or attend events with candidates in the U.S. midterm elections, with a memo sent midday Tuesday. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated or centre-rated reports mentioned the specific instances of alleged interference detailed in the U.S. Embassy's fact sheet, such as the appearance of Canada's consul general in Boston with Democratic candidates or the specific references to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly's comments on trade. ## Who covered it Shares of the 34 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 68% (23) - Centre: 29% (10) - Right: 3% (1) 3 of 37 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-22T22:00:19.996687+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-22T22:15:09.085Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Reports from the left-rated outlets focused on the directive from Global Affairs Canada to diplomats. They highlighted the advice to avoid appearing with candidates, not picking sides, and not posing for photos. These reports also mentioned the context of U.S. accusations of potential interference and cited Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, denying any intent to influence U.S. elections. ### Centre - The centre-rated reports also led with the directive from Global Affairs Canada to its diplomats in the U.S. regarding U.S. midterm candidates. They specified that a memo was sent to foreign service members in the United States, outlining instructions to avoid being photographed with candidates or having their names appear in public communications. These reports noted the timing of the memo in light of U.S. accusations of Canadian interference and the department's decision to take a 'very risk-averse approach'. ### Right No separate framing summary. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - high: 19 - unknown: 3 - veryHigh: 15 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Rzeczpospolita](https://rp.pl/polityka/art45383671-kanada-instruuje-dyplomatow-przed-wyborami-w-usa-unikac-kontaktow) — Canada Instructs Diplomats Ahead of US Election: "Avoid Contact" - [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/10/22/accuse-dingerence-ottawa-avise-ses-diplomates-deviter-tout-contact-avec-des-elus-americains) — Accused of Interference, Ottawa Warns Its Diplomats to Avoid Contact with U.S. Elected Officials - [The Epoch Times](https://theepochtimes.com/world/ottawa-warns-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-6107730) — Ottawa Warns Diplomats Not to Meet With US Midterm Candidates - [The Globe & Mail](https://theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-diplomats-told-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates) — Canadian diplomats told not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/national-business/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926999) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/national-business/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926999) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/canada/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates/article_73383e87-2b5d-5165-bae0-5711d6b5ca89.html) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [CBC News](https://cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-diplomats-notice-midterms-u-s-9.7392072) — Canadian diplomats based in U.S. advised to avoid appearing with midterm candidates - [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/politics/article/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [CP24](https://cp24.com/news/canada/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Narcity](https://narcity.com/diplomats-told-not-to-meet-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Coast Reporter](https://coastreporter.net/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926630) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Midland Today](https://midlandtoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Collingwood Today](https://collingwoodtoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Newmarket Today](https://newmarkettoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Thorold Today](https://thoroldtoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Elora Fergus Today](https://elorafergustoday.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [meadowlakeNOW](https://meadowlakenow.com/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/national/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [CFJC Today Kamloops](https://cfjctoday.com/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [CambridgeToday.ca](https://cambridgetoday.ca/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/news/national-news/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Timmins Today](https://timminstoday.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Ckpg Today](https://ckpgtoday.ca/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [flamboroughtoday.com](https://flamboroughtoday.com/national-news/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-us-midterm-candidates-12926622) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [The Lethbridge Herald](https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/national-news/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/canada/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates/article_57c54701-4196-5a32-9943-30a0ce0ccd0d.html) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/canada/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates/article_9bdea361-c485-5b0c-9352-dc15756e3010.html) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/canada/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates/article_75f27c7a-dfb2-588f-9fd9-8fef082c2643.html) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/news/canada/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates/article_73c7137b-f477-5386-8f3e-1abc2d932dc9.html) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/canada/2026/10/22/ottawa-tells-its-diplomats-not-to-meet-with-u-s-midterm-candidates) — Ottawa tells its diplomats not to meet with U.S. midterm candidates ## Questions **What advice has Canada given its diplomats in the U.S.?** Global Affairs Canada has advised its embassy and consulate staff in the United States to avoid appearing with U.S. midterm candidates. This includes instructions not to pick sides and to refrain from posing for photographs with candidates. **Why has Canada issued this advice to its diplomats?** The guidance was issued amid accusations from U.S. officials alleging potential interference in U.S. elections by Canadian officials. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa released a fact sheet detailing instances it considered to be potential interference. **Have Canadian officials responded to the interference allegations?** Yes, Canadian officials have denied the allegations. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated her meetings with U.S. politicians are part of diplomacy. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also denied any intention to influence U.S. elections. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Canada tells diplomats to avoid U.S. midterm candidates", https://mediabias.news/politics/canada-tells-diplomats-to-avoid-us-midterm-candidates