With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration days away, the United States and Canada face potential policy changes that could greatly impact trade between the two countries. The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, an agreement that reduces barriers to trade in North America, is at Trump’s fingertips. The Western Border Policy Research Institute and the Canadian-American Studies program hosted professor Christopher Sands to discuss Canadian-American relations on Friday, Jan. 13 at the Canada house. Trade, energy, environmental policy, regulations and the border could change under the new administration, Sands said. Trump’s presidency has created uncertainty for many, Sands said. “How do we adjust? It’s a very personal time and everyone is scratching around and looking for some traction, some idea of what it is that the new administration is going to mean,” Sands said. Both countries share similar ideals, however, a new U.S. president and recent cabinet changes in Canada means several items must be renegotiated to restore and maintain order between the countries, Sands said. The renegotiation of NAFTA, The North American Free Trade Agreement, was at the forefront of the discussion. Although it is renegotiated regularly, Trump has threatened to withdraw if Canada and Mexico will not talk, Sands said.
