Political leaders on the Canadian side of the border have weighed in on Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae told MyStratfordNow Ontario and the U.S. have a historically strong relationship and the province is the number one export destination for 17 U.S. states and the number two export destination for another 11.
Rae says the provincial government will continue to maintain and build its economic partnership, pursuing shared opportunities in manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.
The Perth-Wellington MPP said he will continue to work with colleagues to advocate for the best interests of workers and businesses across Perth-Wellington and Ontario.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement he offers his congratulations to Trump and vice-president JD Vance on their election, adding that “Ontario and the United States share one of the most important and enduring friendships in the world.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his congratulations on X and says “the friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said the U.S. is Canada’s best friend and biggest trade partner and he will work with the president to benefit both countries.
Trump was elected the 47th U.S. President early Wednesday morning, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Trump previously served in the role from 2017 to 2021, ultimately losing to Joe Biden, who was replaced by Harris as the Democratic candidate in July.
Matthew Rink is a reporter for USA Today in Pennsylvania, a state won by Trump, and he told Vista Radio that people appeared to have one issue at heart.
“A lot of people were just voting with their pocketbook in mind, looking at the price of gasoline, groceries, and thought that Donald Trump could lower inflation.”
Ottawa-area native Colin Trethewey, who is now a U.S. resident and lives near Tampa, Florida, says, at the end of the day, the Democrats didn’t do enough to win.
“I feel like the Democrats just weren’t able to overcome the narrative that inflation was high and people’s lives were worse over the last four years, whether that was accurate or not, I really don’t think that it was accurate.”
At this point, Trethewey says he doesn’t have any thoughts of moving back to Canada, adding that he still feels you can have an opinion and live your life in the U.S.
– with files from Casey KennyÂ
