With Donald Trump securing a second term as U.S. president, various premiers are seeking to enhance trade and energy connections with Canada’s neighboring country.
Trump was announced as the projected winner of the U.S. presidential election early on Nov. 6. By the time of publication, he had obtained 292 electoral votes and was leading in the remaining states of Arizona, Alaska, and Nevada.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was the first of the premiers to extend congratulations to Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, on their triumph.
“Alberta and the United States have a longstanding trading partnership that has benefitted both economies and enhanced the quality of life in both regions,” she stated on the social media platform X on Nov. 6.
“Alberta plays a crucial role in North American energy security as the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the United States—delivering [twice as] much as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq combined. We are eager to reinforce Alberta’s connections in the United States and collaborate with the new administration on this partnership.”
President-elect Donald Trump is joined by his family as he speaks to supporters after winning the presidential election, in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Smith previously mentioned that regardless of whether the Republicans or Democrats emerged victorious in the presidential race, both parties could potentially enact protectionist measures that might negatively impact or constrain trade with Canada. She expressed her focus on emphasizing areas of mutual interest, including the development of oil pipelines.
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On his first day in office, President Joe Biden reversed the permit that Trump had approved for the Keystone XL pipeline, which was designed to transport Alberta oil to the U.S. market.
The project, initially sanctioned in 2008 by former U.S. President George W. Bush, encountered over a decade of legal disputes and changing policy decisions across multiple administrations before the company leading the project decided to abandon it. TC Energy declared its choice to halt the Keystone XL pipeline project in June 2021 following discussions with the Alberta government.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed hope regarding trade discussions with the incoming Trump administration, especially in critical mineral resources, electric vehicle batteries, and nuclear energy.
“I am positive about the potential for increased trade and collaboration between Ontario and the United States,” he mentioned on X.
Additionally, Ford congratulated the senators, representatives, and other elected officials in the U.S. election, highlighting the strong trade relationships between his province and various U.S. states.
“Ontario is the top export destination for 17 U.S. states and the second-highest export destination for another 11. I am eager to collaborate with U.S. leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to enhance our trade and economic prosperity,” he stated.
British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed a desire to strengthen connections with the United States.
“Congratulations to President-elect Trump. Americans have entrusted you with a crucial responsibility,” he wrote on X. “Residents of British Columbia are close neighbors with familial, relational, and business ties on both sides. I am eager to collaborate on our shared priorities.”
Quebec Premier François Legault refrained from congratulating Trump but emphasized the importance of respecting the election outcome. However, he cautioned about negative implications for Quebec and the Canadian economy.
“My primary focus in the upcoming months will be Quebec’s economic interests. Unfortunately, we anticipate actions by Mr. Trump and his team that could have adverse effects on Canada’s economy and Quebec’s economy,” he stated during a Nov. 6 press conference.
“We need to face reality; there are jobs at risk, so we need to be strategic, particularly in key sectors where Quebec has significant exports to the United States.”
At the same time, Legault expressed concerns about a potential influx of immigrants to Quebec from the United States, noting that the province’s current population of 600,000 temporary immigrants has already surpassed its capacity to accommodate them. The premier’s apprehension stems from Trump’s promise to carry out the “largest deportation operation in American history.”
“We will urge the federal government… to safeguard our borders,” he added.
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