The US Election: A Global Concern for Canada
Americans are facing a decision about the future of their country, and no matter which president they choose, Canada cannot escape the pull of political polarization from its closest neighbor.
Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump present starkly different paths forward for the United States and the race for the White House appears to be extremely close. The US is Canada’s largest trading partner, and the next president will be in charge during the review of the Canada-US-Mexico agreement in 2026.
Harris has campaigned on the fact that she voted against the trilateral agreement, saying it didn’t do enough to protect American workers or the environment. She is largely expected to maintain President Joe Biden’s Buy American procurement rules.
The centrepiece of Trump’s agenda is a proposed 10% across-the-board tariff.
More than 77% of Canadian exports go to the US, and 60% of Canada’s gross domestic product is derived from trade. The campaign has been unprecedented and tumultuous. Biden removed himself from the Democrats’ ticket after a disastrous presidential debate and Harris became the presidential candidate just over three months before election day.
Whichever candidate gets 270 electoral college votes gets the presidency. Pennsylvania’s 19 votes could prove the most crucial this election.
Other battleground states
Americans living in six other battleground states will play a critical role in the outcome on Tuesday. Wisconsin and Michigan went to Trump in 2016 and swung to Biden in 2020. Michigan may be of interest to many Canadians: Canada is that state’s top export market, and it imported about $50.9 billion in goods from its northern neighbor last year.
Countdown to the US Election
The races that will help determine control of Congress
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The Democrats currently control the Senate by a slim margin, and 34 seats are up for grabs. The Senate controls the process for presidents to appoint cabinet positions and has power over treaties. Depending on who is in control, there could be consequences for Canada, said Matthew Lebo, a specialist in U.S. politics at Western University in London, Ont.
For example, Trump has suggested vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have a big role in the administration, including public health policy.
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FAQs
Q: What are the key issues in the US election?
A: The key issues in the US election are the economy, healthcare, education, and national security.
Q: What are the main differences between Harris and Trump’s agendas?
A: Harris has campaigned on the fact that she voted against the trilateral agreement, saying it didn’t do enough to protect American workers or the environment. Trump’s agenda includes a proposed 10% across-the-board tariff.
Q: What are the key battleground states in the election?
A: The key battleground states are Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada.
Q: What are the implications for Canada?
A: The outcome of the election could have far-reaching consequences for Canada, including trade agreements and diplomatic relations.
Copyright 2024 The Canadian Press
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