Quebec’s government contacted Canada’s federal intelligence agency this week over fears of American interference in the province’s election.

Premier Christine Fréchette said her team contacted the Canadian Security Intelligence Service on Tuesday, leading to a meeting on Wednesday. She has also requested a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The concerns stem from a Québecor report that Ottawa had warned Quebec about possible US efforts to influence the campaign in favor of the sovereigntist Parti Québécois. The report cited material from a little-known US think tank, the Defense Analyses and Research Corporation, whose February essay urged Americans to support sovereigntists and ‘weaponize’ reconciliation with First Nations.

Fréchette said she learned of the think-tank essays last Saturday and was told American officials had approached her government in the spring about trade deals. She said she shut the door on it.

Her office stressed it has received no information confirming interference. CSIS did not comment.

Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa takes the claims seriously but has no proof. Opposition leaders questioned the timing, with advance polls opening Sunday ahead of the October 5 vote.