The U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, believes that Canadians should not judge the quality of America’s democracy based on the outcome of the presidential election, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins. Cohen emphasized that the quality of democracy should be judged based on how the country is governed rather than campaign rhetoric. He acknowledged that the United States has survived challenging elections in the past and remains prominent on the world stage, regardless of who is in power. Cohen’s comments come as Canada closely monitors the U.S. economic protectionism and the upcoming review of North American free trade under a Trump or Harris administration.
Canada will be interested in seeing if either Harris or Trump can boost homebuilding and bring down house prices, which have risen significantly since 2020. While most of Harris’ domestic proposals would require approval from Congress, Trump’s blanket tariffs could have immediate ramifications for Canada. Economists agree that tariffs ultimately raise prices for consumers as companies seek to cover the increased cost of importing goods. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce notes that $3.6 billion worth of goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border every day, and any disruption to this supply chain could have a significant impact on small businesses in Canada.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has expressed concern about the potential increase in U.S. protectionism and the impact it may have on the economy as a whole. However, Cohen reassured that the trade relationship between the United States and Canada is unlikely to be significantly disrupted, regardless of who becomes the next president. He emphasized the importance of the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries, which is the largest in the world and highly admired globally. Cohen believes that the trade relationship is likely to be sustained, even in the face of potential protectionist policies.
Canadian officials and researchers are closely monitoring the potential outcomes of the U.S. election and how they may affect Canada’s economy and trade relations with the United States. The election results will impact various sectors, including homebuilding, trade policies, and economic protectionism. While Harris’ proposals may require approval from Congress, Trump’s policies could have more immediate effects on Canada, particularly in terms of tariffs and trade restrictions. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the election outcome, Cohen remains optimistic about the future of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and believes that it will continue to thrive regardless of the election results.
Overall, Canadian observers are keenly watching the U.S. election and its potential implications for Canada. The outcome of the election, whether a Harris or Trump administration, will have significant consequences for Canada’s economy, trade policies, and overall relationship with the United States. Despite concerns about protectionism and tariffs, there is optimism that the strong trade relationship between the two countries will endure and remain stable. It is essential for Canada to stay informed and prepared for any changes that may arise as a result of the U.S. election and its impact on the bilateral relationship.
