CANADA
US Election 2016: How the Result Will Affect Canadian Businesses
General analysis of the two U.S. presidential candidates shows Hillary Clinton to be a realist, but with strong “left of center” support she will be forced to lean left. Donald Trump has a strong conservative approach but will find it more difficult than expected to move the needle drastically to the right.
However, the upcoming election is not merely about one person. Other big issues to watch are:
• Congressional races, where future legislation is enacted, stalled, or scrapped completely, and
• The impact on the Supreme Court, which could last for decades.
The U.S. elections can have a big influence on four areas in Canada:
• The housing market. A Trump victory might cause a spike in prices, according to some, while a Clinton presidency could mean a slowdown in price increases.
• The loonie-to-USD exchange rate. If the market reads the outcome as negative, the dollar could weaken – bad for Canadian exports.
• Immigration. It’s unclear how immigrant-owned businesses might be affected, particularly by a Trump win.
• The long-suffering Canadian oil industry. A Trump presidency could revitalize the Keystone XL oil pipeline deal, reversing some job losses, while a Clinton term is more likely to support the status quo.