Trade will be a major issue as Trump once again takes the presidency. Pictured: Niagara West MP Dean Allison. Photo Credit: Dean Allison/Facebook.
Former U.S. president Donald J. Trump has won back the Presidency. As the second Trump administration takes shape in the coming days, weeks, and months, a lot is at stake for Canada, specifically for border communities across the country, like the municipalities of Niagara.
Leaders across all levels of the Canadian government have been acknowledging Trump’s victory and expressing a desire to work constructively to achieve optimal results for both our countries.
“On behalf of the government of Canada, I congratulate Donald Trump on being elected as President of the United States of America, for a second term, and Senator JD Vance for his election as Vice-President of the United States (U.S.),” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “We look forward to working with President-elect Trump and his administration, including on issues such as trade, investment, and continental peace and security.”
One of the most important areas of collaboration between Canada and the United States is the economy. The two nations serve as the other’s greatest ally and trading partner. Niagara, which is home to four Canada-USA border crossings, serves as a key export hub for Canadian goods entering American markets. There has already been speculation about the potential impact if Trump implements increased tariffs on Canadian exports.
“I want to offer my congratulations to Donald Trump and JD Vance on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “Now is the time to bet big on the U.S.-Ontario relationship. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, their administration and leaders across the United States as we continue to build and grow together.”
Ford has urged the returning president to pursue a “Buy Can-Am” approach to trade, arguing that the United States and Canada share common economic interests.
As the U.S. election results are interpreted, there are mounting concerns about how the 47th President’s strong economic growth platform for the United States could out-compete Canada. It is particularly feared that as he lowers taxes, and fosters an increasingly business-friendly environment, Canada could struggle to keep pace with investment and job growth, including in Niagara, if federal policies are not adjusted accordingly.
“I congratulate Donald J. Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States,” Niagara West MP Dean Allison told The Niagara Independent. “The U.S. is Canada’s best friend and biggest trading partner, and as such, it’s important to work with the President to benefit both countries.”
“The mission is to save Canadian jobs,” said Allison. “The U.S. has already taken half a trillion dollars of investment and jobs from Canada under 9 years of the current federal government, while Canadians cannot afford homes and food. Tuesday’s result confirms that we must cancel Ottawa’s plan to quadruple the carbon tax and cancel additional tax hikes.”
“The federal government’s tax hikes will continue to push hundreds of thousands of more jobs south where President Trump will be cutting taxes even further. We must axe taxes, bring home our paycheques, save our jobs and stand up for Canada.”
In addition to the economy and trade, which includes the pending 2026 review of the Canada, United States and Mexico Trade Agreement (CUSMA), the two countries will be working closely together on defence and national security, immigration and border policy, as well as natural resources development.
One of the most contentious issues in the bilateral relationship will be the by-partisan dissatisfaction in the United States that Canada is failing to meet the NATO two per cent GDP defence spending target. President Trump was extremely vocal in his disapproval of this discrepancy during his first term (2017-2021). It is widely anticipated that his second administration will be even more adamant about the need to resolve the matter promptly.
Unlike in 2016, when he only triumphed in the electoral college, Trump appears to have also won the 2024 national popular vote. His Republican Party is also poised to control both Chambers of Congress. Pundits say that these statistics confirm that the American people have delivered Trump with a strong mandate and that he will be an even more powerful President than he was during his first term.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
