Foothills area residents will have to take the good with the bad of a Trump presidency.
Highwood MLA Wayne Anderson and Foothills MP John Barlow both said there are pros and cons for Albertans and Canadians after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on Friday.
“For Canada it’s a bit of wait-and-see right now,” said Barlow. “If he his able to push through Keystone XL (pipeline) that is going to benefit Alberta and certainly Foothills.
“But, the discussion of a border tax could be devastating to the Canadian economy and manufacturing specifically. For Foothills, with some of our ag products, it might be difficult to send some of them down south. We have to see what comes through.”
The Keystone XL Pipeline Project is a proposed 36-inch-diameter crude oil pipeline, beginning in Hardisty, Alta. to Steel City, Neb. The oil would eventually make its way to existing refineries in Port Arthur, Texas.
Former president Barack Obama rejected the pipeline in 2015. Trump gave his approval for Keystone-XL on Tuesday.
As for taxes at the border, Trump took a strong “America First” stand during his campaign. Stating any manufacturers bringing in products into the United States — particularly Mexico — could face a stiff tariff.
Anderson echoed Barlow’s beliefs.
“I think the Trump administration is going to bring some exciting times for the oil and gas sector,” Anderson said on Monday. “Donald Trump has specifically stated that he wants to approve the Keystone-XL pipeline, which is good news for us (Albertans) there.”
He said it is too early to tell what will be the outcome for Canadians if Trump proceeds with his campaign promise of renegotiating NAFTA and rejecting the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
“Renegotiating NAFTA and the trade agreements, may or may not have an impact on different sectors or our businesses, possibly on the agriculture sector,” he said. “There is going to be some ripple effect and impact, but I think the Trump regime is going to be very positive for the oil and gas industry.”
(Trump withdrew the U.S.’s participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership on Monday. It was a potential 12-nation trade agreement, including Canada).
It’s too early to tell what will be the impact of a Trump presidency.
“Let’s not forget we are only into Day 2” Anderson said.
Barlow added the Canadian government has to continue its strong relationship with the United States.
“The strong relationship we had, whether it’s through NAFTA, continues,” Barlow said. “The ramblings that are coming from the Trump camp are concerning. It would be naďve not to pay attention to what is going on right now.”
Barlow said it would take some time to break the NAFTA agreement.
“We have to be pro-active and work to build that relationship with the new Trump team,” Barlow said. “We have to ensure he understands there is no animosity between Canada and the United States. We are here to have a good trade relationship. I think it benefits both countries.
“You look at the jobs that have been created on both sides of the border as a result of NAFTA, it would speak for itself. They (the Canadian government) just have to be able to showcase that to the new president and not have the attitude that we have to renegotiate everything — show some strength here.”
