LETHBRIDGE –

Election polls are closing in the United States as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump battle it out for the presidency.

Many southern Alberta residents are interested in the outcome.

“In terms of trade relations in general between Canada and the US, we always want to be very aware of what’s going on south of the border politically, politically, leadership-wise, view of international relations,” said Lars Hallstrom. , professor of political science at the University of Lethbridge.

The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, with the province sending $156.3 billion in exports south in 2023.

“About 85 per cent of Canada’s exports go to the US, and in Alberta, it’s an even higher number, predominantly oil and gas. But there is a significant amount of the stuff that Lethbridge makes that goes into the American market. So any interruptions. in that trade relationship will have a potentially profound impact on our manufacturers,” said Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge.

Trump has talked about imposing a 10 percent tariff on foreign goods if elected.

Experts aren’t sure how that would impact southern Alberta’s agricultural exports to the US

“I feel like we’ve really laid the groundwork to prepare for this election, to prepare Canada and Canadians for a Trump administration or a Harris administration,” Lewington said.

“Obviously, like everybody, I’m anxious to see how it all plays out. But I know we’re ready.”