How Will a US Election Victory Impact Canada? The Surprising Answer Inside!

In the world of international relations, Canada shares an intimate relationship with its powerful neighbor, the United States. A relationship that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is acutely aware of—a sentiment he likely inherited from his father, Pierre Trudeau. The elder Trudeau once described Canada’s proximity to the U.S. as akin to “sleeping with an elephant,” emphasizing how every twitch and grunt from the U.S. can greatly impact Canada.

With the ongoing tumultuous and polarized American election, the stakes are high for Canada. The outcome of the U.S. election in November will shape the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement and significantly impact Canada’s trade policies. As both Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump advocate for protectionist measures, Canada faces an uncertain path ahead.

Here are some key points to consider regarding the potential impacts of the U.S. election on Canada:

• The U.S. is Canada’s closest neighbor and largest trading partner, and the outcome of the election will influence the review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement in 2026.
• While Harris and Trump have different trade approaches, both advocate for protectionist policies that could disrupt Canada’s trade relations.
• Harris has campaigned against the trilateral agreement and supports Buy American policies, while Trump’s love for tariffs could significantly impact Canadian exports, which account for a substantial portion of the country’s GDP.
• Trump’s previous actions, such as scrapping the North American Free Trade Agreement, highlight Canada’s vulnerability to U.S. trade policies and the need for a strategic approach to navigate future relations.

Moving forward, Canada must prepare for various scenarios post-election, whether Harris or Trump emerges victorious. Confronting protectionist policies and advocating for Canada’s economic interests will be paramount in maintaining stable and beneficial trade relations with the U.S. Experts emphasize the importance of proactive lobbying and advocacy efforts to safeguard Canada’s trade advantages amidst evolving global dynamics.

As the U.S. election unfolds, Canadian officials must remain vigilant and adaptive to navigate the changing landscape of international trade and relations with their southern neighbor. The road ahead may be uncertain, but Canada’s resilience and strategic planning will be crucial in securing its position in the global economic arena.