Quebecers react to U.S. midterm election results

Democrats have taken control of both chambers of Congress in a stunning blow to Donald Trump, marking a major political shift that has some Canadians wondering: what does this mean for us?

As businesses continue to grapple with Trump’s tariffs, some are hopeful that the midterm results could help strengthen trade relations between Canada and the United States.

“Canada-US relations more generally, that uncertainty remains because the occupant of the White House hasn’t changed,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University.

However, the news hasn’t stopped some Montrealers from celebrating.

“It’s awesome, we’re all happy here,” said Zoe Brouse-lillini, a Montrealer.

“It’s fantastic,” said Raj Kavia, a Montrealer. “It’s a wonderful thing. I hope they can make some headways.”

“We’re very happy about it,” said Anne Donckerwolcke, a Montrealer. “Even though we know… We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. He’ll still have his veto power, and he’ll continue to make things difficult for us. But despite that, I hope he understands.”

Starting in January, Democrats will control both the House and Senate, a shift Béland says could put more pressure on Donald Trump. However, he cautions that Canadians shouldn’t breathe easy just yet.

“Problem here is that the president is using executive orders to get things done, including in the area of trade,” stated Béland. “And here the courts are probably more helpful than Congress in terms of mitigating that.”

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says the results of the U.S. midterm elections could put Quebec in a better position to negotiate with its largest trading partner.

“What we’re going to do is prepare a diplomatic push to engage in discussions with the Americans and see whether, at this point, there’s a solution that would allow us to move forward,” said Plamondon.

“I think he could be a good advocate in Washington as long as he remains very close and that he listens to what the Quebec businesses have to say,” said Michelle llambías Meunier, president and CEO of the Quebec Employers’ Council.

For Myriam Belzile-Maguire, whose Montreal-based footwear company has been directly impacted by the tariffs, the results could offer some optimism.

Maguire opened its U.S. stores in 2022 and 2024. The American market now accounts for approximately 35 per cent of its sales, but ongoing uncertainty has put further expansion on hold.

“And a year ago, we had to restructure our entire logistics because of the end of the minimis and the beginning of the tariff,” said Meunier. “Right now we hold on the development in the U.S. because it was a bit unstable, so we didn’t want to go and open a lot of new stores.”

While some businesses are hopeful that the political shift could offer some breathing room, others say the results are a reminder that Canada needs to continue looking beyond its southern neighbour.

“It’s not sure whether the president understood the message that was sent yesterday or wants to take it into account and actually change its trade policies,” said Béland.

“We need to diversify,” said Kavia. “That’s what our government’s doing. I think it’s a good idea. And I don’t think Canadians wanted to go to the way it was before.”