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CE0'S MESSAGE

Trump’s re-election:

What it means for Canada

and beyond "The Chamber will create

the necessary momentum
to nurture and champion
success by bringing together
the elements – on all sides
PHOTO CREDIT: CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
There’s a good chance we might be Trump’s focus should be on challenges like of an issue – to successfully
panicking over nothing when Donald China and Russia, not antagonizing U.S. cultivate all that is good,
Trump was once again elected this past fall allies.
as President of the United States, defying and can be good, in our
political norms in a way few others have. Revisiting NAFTA and Trade Tactics community."
Despite being a convicted felon—yes, by However, his threats are nothing new since
a jury of his peers, not a partisan judge— we’ve seen this playbook before. In 2016,
Trump secured his return to the highest Trump declared NAFTA (North American What’s Next?
office in the land, with a staggering 34 Free Trade Agreement) dead, demanding
convictions under his belt. His campaign a "fair deal." After much posturing, His most recent threats of 25% tariffs
rhetoric was, as always, polarizing and the agreement was merely updated— on Canadian goods are likely bluster—
often crossed the line of decency. something long overdue. Trump called it a an opening gambit to pressure Canada
and Mexico into renegotiating trade
Politics has clearly changed since there victory, and his supporters cheered him on, agreements. It really is a strategy very
but the changes were only modest at best.
was a time when even a fraction of Trump's reminiscent of his NAFTA theatrics. In the
controversies would have ended a political Similarly, his famous promise to build a wall end, we’ll likely see a slightly revised deal
career. Yet here we are. Some Canadians funded by Mexico resulted in just 732 km that Trump will tout as another one of his
might celebrate his victory, but it perplexes of construction—most of which replaced "wins." Of course, his base will applaud,
me why anyone north of the border would existing barriers. Mexico, of course, didn’t despite little substantial change.
since he has demonstrated little regard for pay a dime and some of the "new" wall
Canada, dismissing us as an afterthought even deteriorated quickly, bogged down by Canada’s Challenge
despite our deep economic ties. The truth allegations of corruption among Trump’s For Canadians, Trump’s re-election is very
is America’s prosperity is intrinsically staff. concerning since his leadership style—
linked to our resources and partnership. always chaotic and self-serving—offers
The Reality of Trump’s First Term
Canada: An Indispensable Ally Let’s be honest—Trump’s first term was no real benefit to Canada. Therefore, we
must brace ourselves for uncertainty
Consider this: 60% of the crude oil the marked by unfulfilled promises and many and prepare to protect our interests.
U.S. consumes comes from Canada. controversies. His pandemic response Meanwhile, south of the border, Americans
Saskatchewan supplies uranium, which was completely disastrous, with state will face the consequences of his polarizing
is essential for energy production and governors openly criticizing his lack of and often ineffective leadership.
national security, and potash essential for leadership. Who could forget his infamous In the end, Trump’s bravado may win
the agriculture industry. Quebec powers suggestion to inject bleach as a COVID-19
the northeastern United States with treatment? Why would a person even temporary support from his base, but we
must remember it’s critical to separate
hydroelectricity. Alberta’s natural gas and suggest that? Trump signed agreements
Canada’s aluminum and steel exports are that drove up gas prices, contributing rhetoric from results. As the old saying
cornerstones of U.S. infrastructure. But to inflation. Running a country is vastly goes, “Be careful what you wish for—you
just might get it.”
what would happen if we turned off the different from running a private business,
taps? A trade war would hurt us both, but and Trump’s approach often revealed his Greg Durocher
Canada’s contribution to the U.S. economy lack of governance expertise. President & CEO
is undeniable. Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

6 Winter 2025 www.cambridgechamber.com