As millions of Americans vote in what many say will be a defining midterm election on Tuesday, Canadians are keeping a close watch on the outcome. “Canada is kind of on the ballot in many of the states. Canada is actually an issue in the midterms because of the disruptions to the trade relationship and the effect on the U.S. economy,” says political scientist Lori Turnbull. Though Canadians have expressed frustration and at times exhaustion with U.S. affairs, many are tuning in for the results. “I do care. We’ve already seen the impact that Trump’s administration has had on not only the United States, but Canada and other countries that are affiliated with the United States. And I think that the results of tonight’s election will deeply impact Canadians,” says Halifax resident Lailie Richardson. Gabriella Leis, another Halifax resident, agrees the election results will impact Canadians. “Everything to do with the U.S. and Canada, with all the controversy that’s going around on social media and everything, it definitely has an impact. I think that even if you didn’t know about it, you definitely will find out about it,” she says. Turnbull says she doesn’t believe the outcome will be a turning point in the relationship between Canada and the U.S. “I don’t think we’re going to see Trump take a wildly different approach. I don’t think that we’re going to necessarily see a relaxation in tariffs… I think Donald Trump is committed to his tariffs. He’s committed to the disruption that he’s created, and he seems to think that it’s working,” she says. Though, she adds, the Canadian government should and will be invested in the outcome. “We have hit the swing states with counter tariffs strategically to try to communicate the importance of the Canada and U.S relationship. In the event that some republican incumbents are knocked out, Canada may look at that and say, ‘Well, we got our point across,’” says Turnbull. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
