Canadians celebrated Barack Obama’s sweeping victory south of the border with genuine enthusiasm, in stark contrast to the lackluster response seen following their own national election October 14 which returned Conservative leader Stephen Harper to Ottawa with another minority mandate. The Canadian love-in with Obama was evident throughout the campaign with radio talk shows, newspaper and television commentary all reflecting overwhelming support for America’s visionary democratic candidate. Media polls across the country found some 80 percent of Canadians would vote for Obama, many openly lamenting they could not participate more directly in such a historic election.
Obama's Power to Inpsire Unprecedented
Obama’s power to inspire not only Americans, but those around the world is unprecedented in modern politics. Cheering crowds reacted to Tuesday's election results in cafes, public squares and homes from Kenya to Japan, from England to Thailand and most places in between. Canada’s own show of support for Obama was mimicked in polls conducted around the world.
A keen interest in U.S. presidential elections is natural among Canadians who share the world’s longest border with the U.S. and an annual trade volume in excess of $500 billion dollars making the two countries each other’s largest trading partners. Add to that a shared language, an abundance of cultural and media crossover and common security and economic interests, and it’s clear why Canada and the U.S. are not only good neighbors but also natural allies.
Canadian Values Shared by Obama
What makes Obama’s election particularly exciting for Canadians is the belief that his new vision of social justice will bring the two countries even closer. Canadians have long believed in a gentler form of capitalism where the pursuit of profit and happiness can coexist with a strong safety net, universal health care, an effective public education system and some humility on the world stage. Obama‘s campaign message resonated with Canadians leaving them with a sense that Washington will share more of their own values.
Government and business reaction to Obama’s election was also enthusiastic. Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper had his first personal contact with Obama when he called Chicago to offer his congratulations Tuesday night. He told Canadian media on Wednesday that his government will focus on nurturing shared industries such as auto manufacturing and energy (Canada is a key supplier of oil for the U.S.) as well as working jointly with the U.S. on plans to reduce climate change.
A Good Ally in TradeMost experts agree that Obama will be a good ally to Canada in trade and economic relations despite a controversial comment he made early in the campaign suggesting the NAFTA free trade agreement would be reassessed by his administration.
Canada’s International Trade Minister Stockwell Day told CTV News the day after the U.S. election, that a candidate who ran his campaign in such a focused and disciplined manner should do very well in the White House. He also said Obama is "tracking in the same direction" as Canada and they would work together on all manner of trade issues.
 |
