Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined world leaders in congratulating Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election on Wednesday.
“Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States,” Trudeau wrote in a post Wednesday morning on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The friendship between Canada and the United States is the envy of the world. I know that President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity and security for our two countries.
Trudeau also issued an official statementnoting what Canada and the United States accomplished during Trump’s first term as president, including negotiating the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“Canada and the United States have the most successful partnership in the world,” Trudeau said in the statement.
We are neighbors and friends, united by a common history, common values and strong bonds between our peoples. We are each other’s largest trading partners, and our economies are deeply intertwined.
“We look forward to working with President-elect Trump and his administration, including on issues such as trade, investment, and continental peace and security,” he added.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa later on Wednesday, Trudeau said that after Trump’s “decisive victory”, both sides will look to boost economic opportunities in North America and protect the region from various challenges that exist around the world.
“The world is actually more difficult and more complex than it was four years ago,” Trudeau said.
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“I know there’s a lot of work to be done…and on our part, we’ve been preparing for it. We look forward to doing that work, and we’ll make sure that this extraordinary friendship and alliance between Canada and the United States continues to be a real benefit to Canadians, but Also for people all over the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed those comments, while also allaying concerns about any potential fallout from a Trump presidency.
“I know a lot of Canadians are worried, and a lot of Canadians were worried this week, “A lot of Canadians were worried all night, and I want to say with all sincerity and conviction to Canadians that Canada is going to be absolutely fine,” Freeland said.
Economists have warned that Canada’s economy could slide into recession under Trump’s second term, with concerns largely revolving around the impact of potential tariffs proposed by the Republican president-elect.
Freeland said she is confident that Canada will continue to defend its national interests and continue to prosper.
“Our partnership in no way undermines American workers, and I know that is at the heart of the concerns of President Trump and his team, because it is at the heart of our new NAFTA agreement that we have with them,” Freeland said.
“I have real confidence that Canada will come together and face this moment as a united Canada.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said Ottawa should cooperate with the Trump administration to maintain and strengthen bilateral economic relations.
“By resisting tariffs and trade barriers that will only raise prices and hurt consumers in both countries, Canada and the United States can foster resilient cross-border supply chains that strengthen our shared economic security,” said Candace Ling, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber. This came in a statement by the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
A Trump win could also increase pressure on Canada to meet NATO’s defense spending target, after the parliamentary budget officer raised concerns about Ottawa’s plan.
Trump has previously warned that the United States may not defend allies who do not abide by NATO members’ agreement to 2 percent of their gross domestic product for defense.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also congratulated Trump on his victory, adding that his mission if elected prime minister would be to “save our jobs.”
“The United States has already taken half a trillion dollars in investments and jobs from Canada during Trudeau’s 9 years, and our people cannot afford homes and food,” Poilievre said on X.
“Yesterday’s result confirms that we must rescind Trudeau’s plan to quadruple the carbon tax and raise other taxes, which would push hundreds of thousands of additional jobs south as President Trump cuts taxes even further.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is “optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for greater trade and cooperation between Ontario and the United States.”
“Now is the time to bet big on the U.S.-Ontario relationship.” Ford said in a statement.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, their administration, and their leaders across the United States as we continue to build and grow together.”
Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris to achieve his second non-consecutive term in the White House.
As of Wednesday morning, Trump had 277 electoral votes to Harris’ 224.
It takes 270 votes out of 538 electoral votes to win the US presidency.
World leaders from around the world reacted to Trump’s victory and offered their congratulations.
Trump congratulated leaders from the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Israel, India, Japan and many other countries.
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