A local historian on the United States, who is familiar with the Pacific Northwest and its issues, says trade and travel between Canada and the U.S. will likely not change very much following Congressional elections in the United States.
Dr. Jason Colby, associate professor of history at the University of Victoria (UVic), said U.S. President Donald Trump will now find himself on the defensive after the Democratic Party won the House of Representatives, with the Senate remaining in control of the Republican Party following midterm elections in the United States Tuesday.
While Trump had been confrontational towards Canada on trade, he may have to change his approach. But Colby also added that Trump has proven himself to be unpredictable.
B次元官网网址淗e can still throw a wrench into the trade and travel between Canada and the United States,B次元官网网址� he said.
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TuesdayB次元官网网址檚 victory gives House Democrats the power to not only investigate Trump, but also various departments and agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which stands accused of obscuring and obstructing scientific findings and research on a range of issues.
Democrats, including House representatives from Washington State, could now use their power, to push for greater accountability, leading to potential improvements on environmental files that affect both British Columbia and Washington State, including climate change and the eventual fate of southern resident killer whales.
B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 probably positive,B次元官网网址� he said.
However, the Democrats may also choose to pursue other priorities.
Catherine Holt, chief executive officer of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said a good relationship with the United States is of B次元官网网址渇undamental importanceB次元官网网址� to the local economy.
B次元官网网址淭he outcome of the midterm elections may lead to some reining in of recent damaging rhetoric about Canada,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he US is a major source of visitors for our tourism economy and the better Americans feel about us the more they will come. We also hope the change in power dynamics will be a positive factor in our trade relationship. The more stable and mutually beneficial our relationship with the U.S., the better it is for us as they are our countryB次元官网网址檚 largest trading partner.B次元官网网址�
TuesdayB次元官网网址檚 outcome in favour of the Democrats was not as overwhelming as anticipated, said Colby, who called the outcome a B次元官网网址渟tandard victoryB次元官网网址� halfway through the term of an unpopular president.
It certainly did not match previous B次元官网网址榳aveB次元官网网址� elections like those in 1994 and 2010 when Republicans scored major victories, or 2006, when Democrats regained the House during the height of the Iraq War.
B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 still really significant,B次元官网网址� he said.
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