In a recent discussion hosted by the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his apprehensions about the possibility of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump winning the upcoming US presidential election in November. Trudeau stated that such an outcome would be “a step back” and could make life challenging for Canada. Speaking in French, he emphasized that dealing with Trump during his first term was not easy and anticipated similar challenges if Trump were to secure a second term.
Trudeau highlighted the potential difficulties not only for Canada but also for Americans, stating that a Trump victory would reflect a rise in populism driven by “anguish and fury” without offering concrete solutions. He stressed that the main responsibility of any Canadian prime minister is to represent and defend the country’s interests, a duty that Canada has managed well in recent years.
The Canadian leader’s concerns stem from the vulnerability of Canada to any shift toward protectionism in the United States. As 75% of Canada’s goods and services exports are sent to the US, any changes in trade policies could impact the Canadian economy significantly. During Trump’s previous term, tense relations existed between him and Trudeau, with accusations of weakness and dishonesty leveled against the Canadian prime minister in 2018.
Trudeau’s center-left Liberals, in power since November 2015, faced challenges negotiating with Trump, who had pledged to renegotiate the free trade treaty involving the US, Canada, and Mexico. The negotiations resulted in a trilateral pact that generally protected Canadian interests after almost two years of discussions.
Recent polls conducted in Canada revealed that approximately two-thirds of Canadians believe that US democracy may not survive another four years with Trump in power. Half of the respondents expressed concerns about the United States potentially evolving into an authoritarian state.
Trudeau also commented on the environmental stance during Trump’s “lost four years,” emphasizing the former president’s lack of interest in environmental issues. In contrast, Trudeau’s Liberals prioritized the fight against climate change, showcasing clear disagreements between the two leaders on this crucial matter.
Meanwhile, Canada is contemplating measures to address a housing crisis, including the possibility of capping the number of international students in the coming months. These measures come as the country grapples with various challenges, both domestically and in its relations with its southern neighbor.
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