With the next presidential election taking place just over a year from now and primaries around the corner, the media is constantly buzzing with talk of the horserace and whatever trivial topics relate to it, such as Donald Trump’s hair. But there is a much more imminent race that seems to be lacking deserved attention among both the media and the American public: the Canadian federal election.
The three candidates hold greatly differing stances on issues such as the Keystone XL Pipeline and ISIS. As a result, this election, which is scheduled to take place just a few days from now, could have consequences for major topics in current U.S. politics and affect our economy. Specifically, many positions held by the New Democratic Party would have a major impact on Canadian-American relations, bearing great importance since Canada is the United States’ biggest trading partner, and could also have a great supportive effect on the progressive agenda in the United States. The party’s views would also support progressives’ agenda in the United States.
One such topic, especially important to both environmentalists and Republicans, is the Keystone XL Pipeline. Canada’s current prime minister, Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party, has maintained that if reelected he will continue pushing for the pipeline with the next U.S. president. Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party has also voiced “steadfast” support of the project. On the other hand, Tom Mulcair of the New Democratic Party, known for a sentiment of environmental stewardship, stands against it. This means if the NDP were to win, environmentalists here in the United States could consider it a win for themselves as well. Their loss, however, would create a chance for Republicans to finally set the pipeline’s construction in place, which would entail the creation — by some estimates — of over 40,000 jobs in the United States.
As such, voters particularly concerned with the economy or the environment would do well to pay attention to this election, since its results could lead to a more informed vote in the U.S. election. For example, if an American voter aligns with the Republican Party on many issues but remains troubled about the environmental effects of certain economic decisions and projects, the NDP winning could put that voters’ worry at ease enough to encourage him to vote Republican.
The result of this election could also impact the U.S.-led effort against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Under Harper, Canada has become increasingly involved in our efforts against the group, having recently deployed troops to help train Kurdish fighters by the Syria-Iraq border. As the other countries contributing jet fighters to the Syrian airstrikes are mostly Gulf states, Canada is currently one of the United States’ leading Western supporters in its strategy of using superior airpower to defeat ISIS.
The NDP, however, completely opposes military involvement in efforts against ISIS, with Muclair calling it “the wrongheaded approach.” Likewise, the Liberal Party supports some efforts but does not endorse airstrikes in the area and has vowed to not send combat troops. An NDP win would therefore decrease the amount of direct international support that the United States’ involvement currently holds, and perhaps almost diminish it among Western nations in particular.
With a three-party election involving a party (the NDP) whose views could have a major impact on our relations with Canada less than a week away, this election warrants more attention than it is currently receiving. If, as an American voter, you care enough about our economy and our foreign relations to follow our upcoming presidential elections, then you should also consider it important to follow the Canadian election, since its result could influence both, as well as result in a more informed vote for our elections.
Alyssa Imam is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at a.imam@cavalierdaily.com.
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