Canada bars diplomats from meeting US midterm candidates

Prime Minister Mark Carney directed Canadian diplomats in the United States to avoid meeting candidates in the US midterm elections, a step meant to head off accusations of political interference. Bloomberg reported the guidance was sent to diplomats on Tuesday and remains in effect until the Nov. 3 vote. Meetings with candidates for the House and Senate are barred unless special permission is granted. The rule does not cover business meetings with elected officials who are not seeking reelection, though diplomats were also told to avoid being photographed with US officials when such meetings are necessary. The move comes after repeated warnings from Washington over alleged Canadian meddling amid wider trade and diplomatic tensions.