What does Joe Biden's presidency mean to Canada?

© THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle/ CityNews

By Janica Maya 

Countries the world, especially Canada across, closely watched the race to the White House as the U. S voted for either another four years of Trump or a new person in power with Joe Biden. And finally, on November 3rd, the U. S declared Joe Biden as the next President.

Undoubtedly, Biden’s election is sure to have an impact on us up North. Similar to the way Trump’s four-year Presidential reign has significantly influenced Canada and its national identity. ​

Rob Goodman -  Professor, Department of Politics and Public Administration – Ryerson University argues: “In the last federal election, the People’s Party of Canada ran on extremely anti-immigrant, populist platform and it didn’t do well - that was partly because Canadians watching US politics wanted to be cautious about giving room to similar trends.”

Trump’s values and policies has emboldened white Nationalists in both Canada and the US and revealed a system rooted in white Nationalism and Anti-immigrant sentiment in American society. Under Biden’s presidency, Rob says he had a mandate, “to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in the country.”

The Changes Joe Biden Will Bring to Canada

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 Environment ​

Biden’s presidency offers potential partnership with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, such as collaborating in methane emission and fuel-efficient standards that was halted under Trump’s administration. Biden also drew attention from Canadians for promising to break off the Keystone XL Pipeline Project in Alberta. He focused on investing in clean energy by putting the US back in to the Paris Climate Change Pact, which could create opportunities for Canadian clean energy technology companies.

© The Globe and Mail/ PATRICK SEMANSKY/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Trade

Trump’s four years in office created unbalanced Canada - US trade relations, including imposing tariffs on aluminum and steel in 2018. Biden’s win can put an end to the threats imposed by Trump, but his platform on trade is focus on ensuring“the future is made in all of America”.  He introduced the Buy Americanprotectionist policies to which the US is not dependent on other countries for resources. 

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Immigration

Trump made forceful and extensive changes to the US immigration policy by introducing many restrictions for new immigrants. Its direct effect saw more people coming to Canada – as perceived to be a more inviting country for newcomers. This also caused a surge in Asylum seekers. Biden says his immigration plan is a way to “take urgent action to undo Trump’s damage” as he aims to expand the number of high-skilled workers visas staying in the US. His plan also includes meeting with Canada, Mexico and other countries in the region to create an international plan to deal with irregular migration in the country.

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