Saskatchewan Leader sees midterm results as chance for trade renewal

Premier Scott Moe released a statement Wednesday morning suggesting the impact of U.S. tariffs influenced the election results. “Last night’s U.S. election results were due at least in part to the impact of those harmful tariff policies,” Moe stated.

He expressed optimism about the possibility of renegotiating trade agreements. “We now have an opportunity to reset our relationship with the U.S. and restore free and fair trade between our two countries,” Moe wrote. “I know Canada is ready to do this. Hopefully, the U.S. is as well.”

The midterm elections resulted in significant losses for the Republican party. As of 12 p.m. Wednesday, Democrats secured 54 seats in the Senate and 232 seats in the House of Representatives, gaining control of both chambers.

NDP Leader Carla Beck also commented on the election, acknowledging that repairing the Canada-U.S. relationship will take time. She voiced hope that Tuesday’s results mark the beginning of the end for the “era of Donald Trump’s tariffs.” “I believe last night’s election results were a stunning rebuke of these harmful economic policies and a clear message that the majority of Americans value their relationship with Canada and that they see us as allies, not enemies,” Beck wrote. “We will never be the 51st state. We will always be a willing and active partner in economic prosperity. This is Canada, the True North, Strong and Free.”

With files from The Canadian Press