Why a Kamala Harris Presidency Might Not Be Good News for Canada

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, has garnered significant enthusiasm in Canada, with two-thirds of Canadians holding favourable views of her. However, despite her perceived warmth towards Canada and her restoration of conciliatory relations with the country during the Biden administration, a Harris presidency may not necessarily be good news for Canada. This optimism is rooted in a misunderstanding of the policy objectives of both Democrats and Republicans, which have converged on protectionist economic policies, such as "Buy American" procurement policies and tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

• A Harris administration is likely to maintain the protectionist economic policies of the Biden administration, including "Buy American" procurement policies and tariffs, which may harm Canadian economic interests.
• Despite the Biden administration's restoration of conciliatory relations with Canada, the Democrats have continued to implement protectionist policies, such as killing the Keystone XL pipeline and supporting Canadian agricultural and dairy industries.
• The Trump administration has also proposed further tariffs, including a 10% across-the-board charge on almost all imports, which could exacerbate tensions with Canada.
• The USMCA review in 2026 presents an opportunity for a Harris administration to pursue changes that may benefit American economic interests over Canadian interests.
• Canada-US economic integration is essential to the prosperity of both countries, but in cases where specific industries or commodities are in conflict, Canadians should expect a less conciliatory American approach.

Statistics:

• 75% of Canadians hold a favourable view of Kamala Harris (The Conversation)
• 33% of Canadians are relieved by the revived challenge posed by the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket to the Republican ticket (The Conversation)
• 10% of the Trump-Vance campaign's proposed tariffs are an across-the-board charge on almost all imports (The Conversation)
• 2026: the scheduled date for the review of the USMCA (The Conversation)

Sources:

• The Conversation
• The Conversation -- Canada
• By Sam Routley, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Western University
• Why a Kamala Harris presidency wouldn't necessarily be good news for Canada