What northern Ont. can expect from the new U.S. administration

Reaction in the north to U.S. presidential vote There is optimism in northern Ontario that Canada will be spared in the expected trade war coming from the United States.

With the United States presidential election officially decided, and Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office, officials in northern Ontario are weighing in on what could come of the next four years.

Many are optimistic that expected new tariffs won’t apply to partners in North America.

Trump’s election win is at least partially related to his protectionist economic strategy that could see major tariffs imposed for goods flowing into the United States.

"To be denied full access, if you will, because of these tariffs, I think will affect the Canadian economy negatively," said David Tabachnik, a Nipissing University political science professor.

"I think the hope is that we can get an exception to these tariffs, which Canada actually, historically, has been quite successful doing. So, it remains to be seen how serious Trump is about these tariffs."

Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan said his government has prepared for over a year for the results of this U.S. election.

Sheehan is among the team that will head to Washington to discuss the relationship between the two countries, including its standing in the free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Reaction in the north to U.S. presidential vote"Well, I think it's really important that, you know, we take a North America-first attitude," he said.

'We're in lockstep'

"And we've demonstrated that as a government. Time and time again, in particular, just recently with the levying of tariffs on China, 100 per cent on electric vehicles and 25 per cent on steel and aluminum. We're in lockstep with the United States."

Locally, Algoma Steel, the Sault’s largest business, could be hurt by new tariffs.

But if the trade agreement remains in place, chamber of commerce officials said the Sault and area could thrive.

"When you look at some of the green tech out there -- minerals like cobalt, lithium, nickel -- those types of things can be great for the northern Ontario mining sector," said Jason Naccarato of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber Of Commerce.

"If they're going to be taxing and tariffs on Chinese components and Chinese minerals and overseas minerals, that creates an opportunity here to create those minerals locally in a very responsible manner."

Tabachnick said he's confident the Canadian government will be able to form an agreement with the Trump White House that benefits the country and avoids harmful tariffs.