Allegations of US interference in Quebec election
4 hours ago
- Allegations of possible U.S. interference dominated Quebec's election campaign, prompting CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette to seek a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and contact CSIS.
- Reports said unnamed sources claimed U.S. officials tried to negotiate tariffs directly with Quebec and that a U.S. think tank, the Defense Analyses and Research Corporation, proposed destabilizing Canada by supporting sovereigntists and 'weaponizing' reconciliation with First Nations.
- Fréchette said the allegations were serious and that Quebecers alone should decide the next government, but added that her team had received no confirmation of election interference.
- Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon questioned the timing and lack of proof, noting advance voting begins Sunday and asking why the information emerged just before voting.
- Liberal Leader Charles Milliard and Québec solidaire's Ruba Ghazal criticized Fréchette's transparency and said Americans should not influence Quebec's election outcome.
- Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa takes the allegations seriously but currently has no proof of interference.
- Advance polls open Sunday ahead of the Oct. 5 election, with five parties expected to win seats.