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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Canadian Press)

Trudeau, Kenney, Notley react to Biden’s presidential win

Nov 7, 2020 | 2:49 PM

OTTAWA – Elected officials in Canada are weighing in on the results of the U.S. Presidential election.

LNN reported Saturday that Democrat Joe Biden is set to become the 46th president of the United States of America.

READ MORE: Joe Biden becomes 46th U.S. president

It should be noted that votes are still being counted in many states and the official results will likely not be known for some time.

In the hours since, statements have been issued by Canada’s prime minister and the leaders of Alberta’s two largest political parties.

With the U.S. being Canada’s largest trading partner, the results of a federal American election is sure to have long-lasting impacts on the Great White North.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative reports that, in 2019, total trade with Canada reached an estimated $718.4-billion.

The statements, in full, are below.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.”

“Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship – one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies. We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world.”

“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together.”

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney:

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I would like to extend congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory, and to all members of the United States Congress elected this week.”

“The United States is by far Alberta’s largest trading partner. With a history of American immigration to Alberta, the cultural and social ties between Alberta and the United States are also very strong.”

“U.S. energy security is dependent on Alberta as the United States’ largest source of oil imports. Much of the American economy is fuelled by Alberta energy. We look forward to working with President-elect Biden’s transition team and future administration to ensure that this vital economic partnership continues.”

“Canada and the United States must work closely together to protect lives and livelihoods through the COVID crisis, and to return our economies to growth. Alberta looks forward to doing our part in advancing that growth agenda, working with the next U.S. administration and Congress.”

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley:

“I want to sincerely congratulate President-elect Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory. Vice President-elect Harris has made history as the first woman of colour in the White House showing women and people of colour all over the world that their voices matter.”

“The best political leadership, regardless of partisanship, must include public service over self-interest, honesty over deceit, respect for women over misogyny, inclusion over racism, and unity over division. Today all the right values won.”

“It is too early to assess the future of KXL. However, the best way for Jason Kenney to protect the interest Albertans have in the pipeline is to abandon his refusal to address climate change, denounce climate change deniers in his caucus, and take real leadership on reducing our emissions, taking carbon out of the barrel, and meeting our international and moral obligations to address the climate crisis.”

“From within that context, we will be in a better position to advocate for the continued construction of this pipeline. Last, Jason Kenney must also come clean on the details of the deal he signed with TC Energy. In particular he must be both transparent and cautious with any decision to further saddle Albertans with $6 billion in debt and ensure that the fiscal interests of Alberta are at the forefront of that deliberation.”

“Going forward, there will be numerous opportunities for Alberta’s renewable and non-renewable energy sector in the new Biden administration and I look forward to exploring those and putting them forward for discussion with Albertans as we build a new economic vision for the future of our province.”