Trump presidency a “mixed bag”

Herald file photo. Agricultural will be one of the hardest hit sectors in Saskatchewan under a Donald Trump presidency, according to University of Saskatchewan professor Greg Poelzer. He says Trumps protectionist policies will make it difficult for exporters like Saskatchewan farmers to find a market.

With Donald Trump set to become the 45th president of the United States, one Saskatchewan-based policy expert says it could mean tricky times for Saskatchewan.

Greg Poelzer, a University of Saskatchewan professor and founding director of the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development, said a Trump presidency will be a mixed bag for Saskatchewan, and it’s up to the province’s leaders to safely chart those unsure waters.

“Trump is not a traditional Republican,” Poelzer said during an interview on Thursday. “Traditional Republicans are full-on free trade, which is good for a province like Saskatchewan, but I think we’re going to see one of the most protectionist presidencies in the last 100 years.”

Poelzer said there will be benefits to a Trump administration, particularly for the province’s oil and gas sector. He said the Keystone XL pipeline would likely be approved, which will create jobs and bolster export capacity. He also expects a new pipeline to benefit the agricultural sector since train cars can spend more time carrying grain and less time carrying oil.

However, those positives will likely come with a few drawbacks. Poelzer said Trump’s desire to put a price on imports means there will be a few negatives mixed in with the positives.

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