Two weeks ago, the United States wrapped up their presidential election, with Donald Trump winning his second terms as president.
Branden Leslie, the Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar, gave his reaction to the news during a recent break in Parliament for Remembrance Day, offering his congratulations to the president-elect.
He notes, however, the news wasn't exactly a joyous occasion for Canadians.
"What I think it means for Canada is, he is going to go down a path of America First. He is going to try to bring home jobs from every country possible, and try to bring in investment from any country possible. And over the last nine years, we have seen an incredible amount of investment leave our country to the United States, frankly because we have made it so unattractive to do business in this country."
He says the election may be a cause for introspection for our own nation as well.
"I think our reaction as a country is, 'How do we become more competitive?' And that starts with axing the carbon tax once and for all. Because the Americans don't have it, and we do. It's making us less competitive and not doing anything in terms of environmental outcomes. Beyond that, we need to make sure we align our tax rates and other policies so that people want to invest in Canada from other countries. And we set up a system in which entrepreneurship within in Canada is something which is appreciated, encouraged, and actually takes place."
Leslie adds that he expects the next election in Canada will also prove to be a mandate from Canadians on how they want to see the country run.