Canadian Election 2024: Trump's Influence And US Relations

Felix Dubois

6 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

4.7

Share

Trump's Trade Policies and their Canadian Impact

The renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA under Trump's administration had a profound and lasting impact on the Canadian economy. The changes, often driven by protectionist impulses, continue to affect various sectors and inform political strategies for the upcoming election.

NAFTA/USMCA renegotiation:

The renegotiation of NAFTA, a cornerstone of Canada-US trade relations, under Trump’s administration resulted in the USMCA. While presented as a modernization, the process was marked by contentious negotiations and ultimately yielded a deal that caused significant uncertainty and shifts in various sectors.

• Dairy Industry: The agreement saw concessions from Canada regarding dairy quotas and access to the Canadian market for US dairy producers, leading to anxieties within the Canadian dairy industry and sparking debate about its long-term viability.
• Lumber Trade Disputes: Despite the USMCA, lumber trade disputes between Canada and the US persist, a testament to the enduring complexities and challenges in navigating the bilateral trade relationship even after a major trade agreement update.
• Automotive Sector Impacts: Changes in rules of origin within the automotive sector under the USMCA have created both opportunities and challenges for Canadian auto manufacturers, demanding adaptation and strategic adjustments.

The USMCA and its associated trade discussions remain a significant factor in Canadian political discourse and will be a central point of debate during the Canadian Election 2024. The impacts of these changes on the Canadian economy are still being felt, fueling debate about trade agreements and their long-term effects on Canadian jobs and competitiveness.

Increased Protectionism and its Election Fallout:

Trump's protectionist stance, characterized by tariffs and trade disputes, significantly impacted Canadian businesses and fueled anxieties about the future of bilateral trade. This protectionism, along with Trump's unpredictable trade tactics, influenced Canadian political discourse and will likely shape voter choices in 2024.

• Impact on Canadian Businesses: Many Canadian businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on US markets, experienced uncertainty and disruptions caused by the imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions. Adaptation and diversification strategies became paramount for survival.
• Potential for Retaliatory Tariffs: The threat of retaliatory tariffs from Canada, should the US maintain or escalate protectionist measures, added another layer of complexity to the trade relationship and remains a potential point of contention.
• Public Opinion on US Trade Policy: Public opinion in Canada regarding US trade policy shifted significantly during Trump's presidency, resulting in a more cautious and strategic approach to future trade negotiations and a greater focus on diversifying trade partners.

Trump's Foreign Policy and its Effect on Canadian Security

Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy significantly impacted Canada’s perception of its security relationship with the United States. His approach to alliances and international cooperation raised questions about the stability and predictability of the North American security landscape.

Shifting alliances and the North American security landscape:

Trump's questioning of long-standing alliances, coupled with his often unpredictable approach to foreign policy, caused concern in Canada about the future of North American security.

• NATO Membership: Trump's criticism of NATO and his questioning of US commitment to the alliance raised concerns in Canada about the collective security framework underpinning the North Atlantic.
• Defence Spending: The pressure from Trump's administration on NATO members, including Canada, to increase defence spending, sparked internal debates about the appropriate level of military expenditure and its allocation.
• Shared Intelligence: While intelligence sharing between Canada and the US continued, concerns arose about the potential impact of Trump's policies on information sharing and collaborative efforts in counterterrorism and national security.
• Border Security: While the Canada-US border remained relatively open, Trump's rhetoric and policies on immigration and border security increased tensions and uncertainty about the management of the shared border.

Immigration and border policies:

Trump's hardline immigration policies directly impacted the Canada-US border and the relationship between the two countries.

• Impact on Asylum Seekers: Trump's policies regarding asylum seekers and refugees created challenges for Canada in managing cross-border flows and strained the collaboration between the two countries on refugee resettlement.
• Border Control Cooperation: While cooperation between border agencies continued, there were instances of strained relations and difficulties in coordinating efforts due to differing policies and priorities.
• Potential for Increased Tension: Trump’s policies increased tensions along the shared border and created challenges for maintaining a positive and cooperative relationship.

The Domestic Political Landscape and Trump's Influence

Trump's presidency had a ripple effect on Canadian politics, influencing the rise of populism and nationalism and altering the media landscape.

Rise of populism and nationalism:

Trump's success fueled debate in Canada about the rise of populism and nationalism and its potential impact on the 2024 election.

• Impact on Various Canadian Political Parties: Different Canadian political parties responded to the rise of populism and nationalism in various ways, attempting to capitalize on or counter its influence.
• Voter Sentiment: The emergence of populist and nationalist sentiments in Canada influenced voter choices and created a more complex and dynamic political landscape.
• Potential Policy Shifts: The rise of these ideologies pushed certain parties to adjust their platforms to reflect these evolving voter concerns.

Media coverage and public opinion:

The Canadian media's portrayal of Trump and his policies shaped public opinion and influenced the ongoing political discourse.

• Media Bias: The Canadian media's coverage of Trump's presidency was often critical, shaping public perceptions and influencing the discourse surrounding his impact on Canada.
• Public Perception of US Politics: Canadian public perception of US politics shifted dramatically during Trump’s tenure, increasing skepticism and uncertainty about the future of the Canada-US relationship.
• Impact on Canadian Political Discourse: Trump's actions and rhetoric significantly influenced the tone and content of Canadian political discourse, making discussions of trade, security, and international relations more contentious.

Conclusion

The influence of Donald Trump's policies and presidency continues to cast a long shadow over the Canadian political landscape heading into the 2024 election. His impact on trade through the renegotiation of NAFTA, his unpredictable foreign policy affecting Canada's security, and the ripple effects on domestic political discourse and the rise of populism are undeniable. Understanding the impact of Trump's influence on US relations is crucial for informed participation in the Canadian Election 2024. To further your understanding, consider researching the detailed impacts of the USMCA on various Canadian industries and exploring analysis of the evolving relationship between Canadian and US foreign policy under the Biden administration. Stay informed about the ongoing implications of this complex relationship to make an informed choice in the upcoming election.