Release: 83% of Albertans expect U.S. election to impact economy

New report from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the United States – and the potential impacts of the U.S. election on Calgary’s business community

Calgary, AB, September 5, 2024 – As Americans prepare to head to the polls in November to elect a new President, Albertans are paying close attention to the outcome – especially when it comes to the economy. According to a Janet Brown Opinion Research poll, commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, almost three-quarters (72%) of Albertans say they are following the United States (U.S.) election closely and 83% expect the election to impact Alberta’s economy.

“The economic impact of the trading relationship between Canada – and Alberta – and the United States cannot be understated. Nearly $3.6 billion of goods and services cross the border each day and millions of jobs on both sides of the border are created and supported as a result,” says Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses of every size and sector rely on market access and favourable trading conditions for their success. As such, the outcome of November’s election is critical and will shape the economic relationship between our two nations over the next several years.”

Today, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce launched the first paper in a three-part series that examines this bilateral relationship in depth. Entitled 2024 U.S. Election: Impact on the Calgary Business Community, this paper dives deep into the trading relationship between Canada and the U.S., particularly within the energy, agriculture and small business sectors and analyzes the signals from both Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris on their respective policy decisions regarding foreign trade.

“Canada’s success is tightly linked with the United States. Each presidential candidate continues to put forth their policy promises regarding how they intend to approach trade. And as the results of the recent poll commissioned by the Calgary Chamber show, 83% of Albertans are concerned about what each approach means for the economy. It is important to understand the potential impacts of each approach so that both governments and businesses can respond accordingly to ensure their growth and success,” says Ismail-Teja.

The second piece in this series will dive deeper into the specific economic platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties and provide an analysis on their impacts on the Canadian economy. The third piece will provide actionable recommendations to all levels of government to respond to the incoming administration to protect and grow Canadian prosperity.

Quick Facts

• In 2023, Canada exported $595 billion in goods and services to the U.S. – this comprises 78% of our net exports.
• In 2023, Alberta exported $156.1 billion to the U.S. – over 90% of our net exports by value.
• Canada is the single largest supplier of energy to the U.S., providing more than 4.6 million BOE per day, and more than $216 billion worth of energy products. That accounts for 52% of U.S. imported supply.
• In 2023, Canada exported over $60 billion of food and agricultural products to the U.S. and the trade relationship has grown at an average annual rate of 8% since 1989.
• In 2022, small businesses accounted for 42% of our exports to the U.S.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce 

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Media opportunities 

For media inquiries, please contact

Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
media@calgarychamber.com