Chatham-Kent-Essex MP Dave Van Kesteren is hopeful existing relationships with US dignitaries will help maintain strong trade between the US and Canada, following the presidential election of Donald Trump.
During his campaign, President-elect Trump stated he would renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, and also drop the US out of Trans-Pacific Partnership discussions.
"We haven't made a decision on that either, and Donald Trump has said they will scrap that, and that may become a reality," Van Kesteren tells BlackburnNews.com. "The work will continue for us. We would do well as a nation to expand our trade."
With the US being Canada's largest trading partners, Van Kesteren adds maintaining that partnership should be the country's number one priority. While Trump has mentioned potential changes to trade agreements involving Canada, Van Kesteren doesn't think the two countries' history with each other will be overlooked.
"I know we have great trade negotiators. We've built strong relations with American congressmen, and some of the senators," says Van Kesteren. "I think we can make this thing work."
