Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that his government feared “some disruption” in the United States in the event of a close result in the November 3 presidential election, and that it was preparing for all possible scenarios.
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“We all view polarization in the United States with some concern,” Trudeau said, referring to the political debate surrounding the coronavirus pandemic less than a month before the poll.
“We are all watching the US elections very carefully because of their potential impact on the Canadian economy and on Canadians,” the head of government explained at a press conference.
“We are certainly all hoping for a smooth transition or a clear election result” that will pit President Donald Trump against Democratic candidate Joe Biden, Trudeau said.
“If it is less clear, there could be some disruption and we have to be ready, whatever the outcome,” he added, without further details.
President Trump has questioned the integrity of the Nov. 3 ballot over the postal ballot, and has refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses the election.
Mr. Trudeau, who has an often stormy relationship with President Trump, generally refrains from commenting on the political news of his powerful neighbor.
“We are not going to interfere or meddle in one way or another in their electoral process,” the Prime Minister insisted.
The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner. Their common border, the longest in the world, has been closed to all travel since the start of the pandemic, and at least until October 21.
The exchange of goods and merchandise on both sides of the border, which is nearly 8,900 kilometers long, amounts to 2.4 billion Canadian dollars (1.5 billion euros) daily.