CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette warns of risk of U.S. interference in Quebec election

Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette speaks at the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) in Quebec City, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Quebecers are going to the polls for a general election on Oct. 5.

Photo: La Presse canadienne / Jacques Boissinot

The Canadian Press Quebec's incumbent premier says she is « very concerned » about possible interference in the provincial election by the United States.

Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette told journalists she reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney and requested a meeting with him to discuss the matter.

She was reacting to a news report published by Québecor media outlets that said American officials had attempted to negotiate directly with Quebec government officials regarding tariffs.

I want to ensure that the full truth about this issue comes to light, Fréchette said on the campaign trail. [The election] must remain in the hands of and be decided by the people of Quebec.

Canada's foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, said at a news conference in Ottawa that the federal government is taking the issue very seriously.

Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance to our country, she said.

She added that she will speak with her American counterpart, Marco Rubio, after reviewing evidence of the allegations.

Right now I have not seen the evidence, Anand said.