Polls suggest former president Donald Trump is in a strong position to win back the presidency this November — a development that could have wide-ranging implications for Canada, given how tumultuous his first term was for this country.
Trump leads a united party despite sometimes intense opposition and criticism of his election denial and role in the January 6 insurrection attempt.
Elected officials and card-carrying Republicans — even former anti-Trumpers — have rallied around him at this week’s convention after the failed assassination attempt. The former president is leading in every electoral battleground and other states previously thought to be safe for the Democrats.
President Joe Biden is in a weak position as more and more Democrats call on him to step aside and give someone else the chance to take on Trump.
The prospect of a second Trump presidency brings the possible consequences for Canada into sharper focus.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tapped Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne to be his point man on bilateral irritants.
Champagne has been jetting around the U.S. — he’s been to New York, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Washington D.C., New Jersey and Nebraska in recent months — to lobby officials to protect bilateral trade from possible disruptions, or worse.
“Throughout these visits, he has actively engaged with key influencers, including mayors, governors, labour leaders and chambers of commerce, who recognize the increasing interconnectedness of our economies,” a spokesperson for the minister said in a statement.
Laura Dawson is a Canada-U.S. relations expert and the executive director of the Future Borders Coalition.
She said that while there may be some opportunities for Canada with a second Trump presidency — his pro-fossil fuel agenda could be a boost for the oilpatch — there are many more challenges to consider with such an erratic leader in the White House.
“I think it’s quite likely we will have a second Trump presidency. It is a very real possibility unless something really unforeseen happens. He’s not just the Teflon candidate, he’s the man of steel at this point,” she told CBC News.
A possible second Trump presidency could lead to a revival of protectionism and a combative relationship between Canada and the U.S., she said.
Trump’s former trade representative Robert Lighthizer has said Canada-U.S. relations…
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