Maritimers greet Trump inauguration with trepidation

First at Five asks Maritimers how they feel about President Trump taking office.

As of Monday afternoon’s inauguration ceremony south of the border, it’s now official, Donald Trump is President of the United States for a second time.

“I don’t think it’s going to be very good,” said one Sydney area resident when asked about the topic at Cape Breton’s Mayflower Mall on Monday.

Here in Canada, it seems another Trump presidency is being met largely with trepidation.

“Well, he’s talking about how he’s going to put all these surcharges on everything or whatever he’s going to do. I just don’t like who he keeps company with,” said another woman who spoke with CTV Atlantic at the mall in Sydney.

When asked what issues are top of mind for Canadians, Cape Breton University political science professor David Johnson points to recent economic threats made by the President.

“Oh I think [for] most Canadians, it’s the threat of tariffs and the economic impact of a Trump presidency on Canada,” said Johnson.

Johnson added Canadian diplomacy may have already made a difference when it comes to implementing the tariffs.

“We’re beginning to hear that (Trump) may not impose tariffs right away, that he’ll ask his finance agencies to review the issue of tariffs. I think that’s a good thing,” said Johnson.

According to a survey conducted by Narrative Research, nearly two-thirds of Canadians – around 63 per cent – believe our economy will be negatively impacted by the US election results, meanwhile, two-in-ten feel it may have a good economic impact.

“And if the American economy booms for four years, that could have a positive impact on Canada,” Johnson added.

Narrative Research also noted that the youngest Canadians polled – aged 18 to 24 – are more likely to say President Trump will have a good impact on our economy.

“Home ownership is almost impossible for young Canadians, even less possible for young Americans,” Johnson said. “So Trump can tap into that anger.”

As for whether Canada should become the 51st state, the idea isn’t sitting well with many Maritimers.

“I think we want to stay the way we are, and we don’t want to be part of the United States,” said one shopper questioned at the Mayflower Mall.

“We want to stay Canadians, and I always will be a Canadian as long as I live,” added another.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page