US ambassador warns Canada could be blamed if Republicans lose midterms

Summary

On Tuesday, the US embassy in Ottawa posted a warm tree-planting video featuring Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. That same day, at a private, off-the-record lunch for business leaders, three people with knowledge of the lunch say they heard him warn that Canada could be blamed if Michigan and Maine flip Democratic and Republicans lose the midterms. The embassy says those comments were taken out of context. The business council that hosted the lunch says he spoke positively about the relationship.

The dispute began in August, when the United States imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods, and Canada answered in September with its own tariffs. On October 20, a Global Affairs Canada memo told diplomats to avoid midterm candidates and events. Carney called the embassy's claims without merit. Days later, Trump cut tariffs on some Canadian goods at the request of Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

The video argues the blame warning asks American voters to look north for a problem signed in Washington. Carney has said Canada is overdependent on the United States and is building closer ties with Europe. Any law cancelling the tariffs would still need Trump's signature or a two-thirds veto override.

Key points

• The US imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods in August; Canada answered in September with 15–50% tariffs on $20 billion of US products.
• A Global Affairs Canada memo dated Oct 20 told diplomats to avoid midterm candidates and events.
• Trump removed tariffs on Canadian plywood, crates, refrigeration equipment and seaweed, then added carpets, shampoo, coffins, ice cream sticks and canoes.
• Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Wichita, Kansas.
• US midterms are on Tuesday, November 3; the House is leaning Democratic and the Senate is rated a toss-up.
• Any law cancelling the tariffs still needs Trump's signature or a two-thirds veto override.

Questions answered