Janice R. Andrews
July 29, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada: A increasing number of Canadians are voicing serious concerns about the possible ramifications of former President Donald Trump being granted a second term as the 2024 U.S. presidential election heats up. Politicians, business executives, and residents of Canada are alarmed by the possibility of Trump’s reelection because they worry about the impact on trade, climate policy, and international relations.
Trade Relations Examined Closely
Every day, billions of dollars worth of products and services are traded between the United States and Canada, making it one of the biggest trading relationships in the world. The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into the United States, Mexico, and Canada Agreement (USMCA) was one of the relationship’s many difficulties during Trump’s first term. Although trade relations were eventually calmed by the USMCA, the process remained tense.
Business executives in Canada are concerned that further volatility may result from a second term of Trump. Trade expert Sarah Jones, of Toronto, said, “We remember the tariffs on steel and aluminum and the constant threat of new trade barriers.” “More of the same under a Trump administration could be harmful to Canadian companies that depend on U.S. markets.”
Concerns Regarding Climate Policy
Canada has made a strong commitment to ambitious objectives under the Paris Agreement and has been an outspoken supporter of robust climate action. Trump’s prior decision to remove the US from the Paris Accord caused a rift with Canadian officials who believed that collaboration on climate change was imperative.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister, has stressed the value of working together to address environmental concerns. In a recent remark, Trudeau stated, “We need our neighbors to the south to be partners in fighting climate change.” “A second Trump term could sabotage international initiatives and reverse years of advancement.”
Canadian environmental organizations agree with this. “Trump’s first-term policies were a disaster for the environment,” the Canadian Climate Action Network’s director, Laura McMillan, stated. “We cannot afford to let the fight against climate change drag on for another four years.”
Border and Immigration Policies
Concerns are also raised in Canada, a country that has prided itself on being more accepting and inclusive, by Trump’s strict immigration attitude. North of the border, there was intense criticism of policies that resulted in travel restrictions for nations with a large Muslim population and family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Advocates for immigration from Canada are concerned about the consequences of these restrictions. The director of the Canadian Immigration Council, Mark Lewis, stated that “more refugees seeking asylum in Canada could result from the U.S. adopting more stringent immigration measures.” “More strain on our already overworked system could be difficult to handle.”
Influence on Politics in Canada
The possibility of Trump’s reelection is also having an impact on Canadian politics. The possibility is being used by opposition parties to attack the existing administration’s readiness to handle a Trump presidency.
Pierre Poilievre, the head of the Conservative Party, has doubted Trudeau’s capacity to handle the challenges of a second Trump term. In a recent news conference, Poilievre stated, “We need a government that can stand up to the unpredictable nature of a Trump presidency.” “We need a leader in Canada who can uphold stability and defend our interests.”
In the meanwhile, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has demanded that Canadian policies and values be protected in a more aggressive manner. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stated, “We must be prepared to defend our immigration policies, trade interests, and climate commitments against any negative impacts from a Trump presidency.”
Attitude of the Public
According to a recent Angus Reid Institute survey, 68% of Canadians are concerned that Trump may win the 2024 election. A broad sense of anxiety over the trajectory of U.S.-Canada ties is present, along with concerns about environmental setbacks and economic uncertainty.
In an interview, Vancouver resident Linda Thompson expressed her worries. Thompson remarked, “I recall the ambiguity and division during Trump’s first term.” “I’m concerned about what our nation and the world may face in four more years.”
Getting Ready for Possible Results
Canadian officials are responding to these broad fears by making preparations for the possible results of the next U.S. election. In order to guarantee that channels of communication stay open and functional regardless of the outcome of the election, diplomatic measures are being stepped up.
Mélanie Joly, the minister of foreign affairs, has stressed the significance of preserving solid bilateral relations. Joly declared, “We are dedicated to collaborating with whoever the American people choose.” “Safeguarding Canadian interests and advancing our cooperation on important issues will be our priorities.”
Final Thoughts
The impending election in the United States has Canadians on edge and worried about Donald Trump’s possible comeback to the White House. There are substantial ramifications for commerce, immigration, climate policy, and bilateral ties in general. Although the final result is still unknown, Canada is bracing itself for every scenario in the hopes of meeting any obstacles head-on with resiliency and strategic insight.
