Trump or Harris — Canada will work well with either one, ambassador to the U.S. says

Canada's ambassador to the U.S. assured on Tuesday that the country is prepared to work effectively with whomever wins the upcoming November presidential election. Kirsten Hillman highlighted the government's "Team Canada" strategy, which involves ongoing engagement with a bipartisan range of American federal, state, and local officials, as key to navigating any outcome.

Speaking at the Liberal cabinet retreat in Halifax, after briefing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team on Canada-U.S. relations, Hillman emphasized that Democrats and Republicans share common priorities.

"Americans and their political representatives have something very clear in common with us: economic growth, jobs, national security, and energy security. Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, they are interested in all those things," Hillman said in French.

While she acknowledged differences in how the parties aim to achieve these goals, she stressed that "the goals are basically the same."

Hillman did, however, mention Donald Trump’s proposal of a 10 per cent tariff on all imports, which could significantly impact Canada’s economy, given the $3.6 billion worth of goods exchanged daily across the border, according to federal data.

Hillman noted that if Trump were to implement such a policy, it "could be complicated for Canada," but she questioned its feasibility, considering the potential impact on U.S. states that heavily trade with Canadian companies.

Trump’s relationship with Trudeau has been tense at times, and he has criticized NATO allies, including Canada, for military spending. Trump has also pledged to revisit "unfair trade deals," potentially reopening negotiations on the new NAFTA agreement, which was renegotiated in 2019. The agreement is due for review in 2026.

"A Trump victory gives Canadians pause, it gives Canadians reason for concern. We have a pretty good idea of where the Trump team will be going on issues affecting Canada, and none of them are very good," said Laura Dawson, a Canada-U.S. relations expert and executive director of the Future Borders Coalition.

Regarding Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Hillman expects her administration to resemble that of outgoing President Joe Biden, whose tenure has been largely amicable towards Canada, despite some friction over the Keystone XL pipeline cancellation and uncertainty surrounding tax credits for Canadian-made electric vehicles.

"It's fairly transparent. I don't think it's that complicated," Hillman said of Harris's agenda. "She will put her own stamp on it."

'Team Canada' in action
Trudeau's "Team Canada," led by Hillman, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and International Trade Minister Mary Ng, has been actively working to maintain and strengthen ties with the U.S., emphasizing Canada's role as a crucial trading partner. They have visited 33 states, met with 42 of the 50 state governors, and engaged with numerous local and state lawmakers.

Hillman attended both the Democratic and Republican conventions this summer, securing face time with senior party leaders.

"We have been working to make sure that in every corner of the United States, Americans understand we are moving from being nice to being strategic," Champagne said, adding that Canada will protect its interests at every turn.

Hillman acknowledged some anti-Canadian rhetoric from Trump and certain Republicans but maintained that Canada is "appreciated, well-liked, and seen as strategic partners throughout the United States."

"I don't believe there is any kind of anti-Canadian sentiment within the Republican Party. I have spent months visiting Republicans across the country, many of whom are close allies of former president Trump, and there wasn't a single meeting where I wasn't received with open arms," she said.

Republican criticisms
Some Republican leaders have criticized Canada for its military spending. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Canada of "riding the U.S.'s coattails" on defense, and Senate leader Mitch McConnell called for greater Canadian investment in military capabilities.

Additionally, Republican senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz recently urged the White House to tighten security along the northern border, expressing concerns about Canada’s refugee policy potentially allowing undesirable individuals to enter the U.S.

"The possibility of terrorists crossing the U.S.-Canada border is deeply concerning," the senators wrote in a July 26 letter, particularly noting the potential risks associated with Palestinian refugees resettled in Canada.

Hillman suggested that such rhetoric often intensifies in the lead-up to an election but affirmed that Republicans generally hold a positive view of Canada.