In the latest Roundtable episode, publisher Rudyard Griffiths and editor-at-large Sean Speer discussed the U.S. presidential election result, mainstream media’s failures, and how President-elect Trump will impact Canadian politics and trade.
Here are five key takeaways from their discussion.
1. Trudeau’s response to Trump
Following Donald Trump’s re-election, the Canadian government has been cautious in its public response. Prime Minister Trudeau and other federal officials have refrained from criticizing Trump directly, instead maintaining conventional diplomatic messaging. Trudeau has reinstated a cabinet committee focused on Canada-U.S. relations to prepare for potentially significant changes, especially concerning tariffs and immigration.
There is speculation that Trudeau could prorogue Parliament in the coming weeks, using the political shift in the U.S. as justification to reset his own agenda. This would allow him to shuffle his cabinet and prepare a new throne speech, potentially aligning Canadian policy more closely with the evolving U.S. landscape under Trump. The move could offer a much-needed pivot for the Trudeau government, which is currently grappling with parliamentary dysfunction and lagging support. Trump’s anticipated policies around tariffs and immigration are likely to directly impact Canada’s economy and border security, making it crucial for Trudeau’s team to be prepared. How the administration adapts in the coming months could shape Canada’s economic stability and its relationship with a volatile southern neighbour, indicating a renewed focus on navigating Canada-U.S. relations under conditions that may challenge traditional diplomatic norms.
2. Poilievre’s response to Trump
Trump’s Republican victory reaffirms Pierre Poilievre’s strategy of attracting Canada’s working-class and blue-collar voters to the Conservative Party. The Conservatives have successfully tapped into similar frustrations that drove Trump’s supporters, appealing to Canadians who feel overlooked by the political elite. However, Poilievre faces a unique challenge: while Canadians share some of the grievances seen in the U.S., they traditionally reject the uncivil tone associated with Trump.
To continue attracting working-class support without alienating moderate voters, Conservative leaders may need to emphasize civility and respect in their rhetoric, a stark contrast to the elbows-out approach commonly used by American populists.
Canadian Conservative strategists should also elevate female voices within their caucus to balance the party’s image and counter Liberal narratives that equate the Conservatives with Trumpism. Prominent figures like Melissa Lantsman and Raquel Dancho could help lead this shift, lending credibility and mitigating perceptions of extremism. By adjusting the tone and inclusivity of their messaging, the Conservative Party of Canada might successfully consolidate new support while avoiding the negative associations with Trumpism, positioning themselves as a stable, aspirational alternative to the Liberals, without alienating Canada’s moderate voter base.
3. Tariffs and a Canadian economic realignment?
Trump’s protectionist stance has longstanding roots, and his administration’s re-election is expected to heighten risks of tariffs on Canadian goods. While some consider Trump’s threats to be just bargaining tactics, many economists believe tariffs are central to Trump’s economic plan, both as a revenue stream and as leverage in forcing corporate investment within the U.S.
For Canadian policymakers, these anticipated tariffs demand immediate preparations. An “inoculation strategy” could involve positioning Canada’s key exports—oil, uranium, and critical minerals—as essential to U.S. industries, ensuring that Canadian goods can navigate any imagined or real tariff barriers.
Canadian companies are also expected to face heightened scrutiny and may find themselves negotiating directly with U.S. government officials, as Trump’s policies would incentivize CEOs to lobby for tariff exemptions. This influence will likely drive demand for Trump-connected lobbyists in Washington, potentially escalating North American cronyism and complicating business for Canadian firms. For Canada, strategic foresight on our essential industries could mitigate tariff impacts and maintain economic stability, but the likelihood of direct interference from the White House may complicate Canada-U.S. trade relations significantly over the next term.
4. Mainstream media’s waning influence and independent alternatives
Trump’s re-election marks a defining moment for the U.S. media’s credibility and influence. Despite widespread media narratives condemning Trump, his success highlights the declining sway of traditional media over public opinion. Many Americans are increasingly turning to alternative media sources, bypassing mainstream channels in favour of direct communication with political figures on platforms like YouTube and podcasts.
In Canada, where federal public funds subsidizes legacy media, Trump’s victory has prompted fresh scrutiny of mainstream media’s role. Publicly funded outlets argue their unique civic importance, yet viewership numbers suggest otherwise, especially as audiences diversify their sources of news and commentary. Canada’s large-scale media subsidies have faced critics, with some arguing mainstream media’s influence is no longer essential to an informed democratic discourse. The Hub Roundtable highlighted how this shift challenges the justification for hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, suggesting that Canadians might benefit more from a diverse media landscape that includes independent voices. With mainstream media’s perceived loss of influence, there is growing support for independent journalism, which appears better positioned to meet the evolving information needs of Canadian audiences, without relying on government support.
5. The democratic promise of independent media
The Roundtable argued the growing influence of independent media in this country represents a shift towards a more democratic and diverse public discourse. The decline of legacy media has allowed alternative platforms to emerge, providing new spaces for fresh, often marginalized perspectives.
These platforms have enabled public figures and political candidates to reach millions without relying on traditional media intermediaries, as demonstrated by Trump’s widespread use of podcast appearances. This evolution has democratized access to information, fostering authentic conversations on topics frequently underrepresented in mainstream outlets.
However, the rise of independent media also brings challenges, such as maintaining journalistic standards and managing misinformation. In Canada, where legacy media receives substantial public funding, the viewership shift to independent media raises questions about the future of these subsidies. As Canadians increasingly favour independent sources, the need for public financing of traditional media becomes less clear.
While this transition may unsettle the existing media landscape, it offers an exciting opportunity for a more egalitarian media ecosystem, where diverse voices are empowered to inform and engage the public. Independent media’s influence is growing, suggesting that Canada’s information ecosystem may benefit from embracing this shift towards decentralized, audience-driven journalism.
You can listen to the full episode here.
ChatGPT assisted in the creation of this article.
