Canada Aluminium sector expects Joe Biden in the White House

The American election is attracting attention in the whole world, but for Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean in Canada, it is very much critical.

Major sectors of the regional economy are affected by the choice Americans will make between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

The Canada aluminium industry, which exports 90% of its production to the American market, suggests that they would be more comfortable with the arrival of Joe Biden in the White House.

Within the unions of aluminium workers, the enthusiasm for this vote is very present, especially not to see Donald Trump again as President.

Sylvain Maltais, President of the union of the Rio Tinto’s Alman factory, said: “On two occasions he gave us taxes on aluminium. We are afraid to see him be re-elected.”

In this sector of activity, there is a difference in the attitude of the two candidates. “It would be in the interest of our industry to move from an attitude of confrontation to one of collaboration. At least we will be able to build on the predictability of the business context, ”believes the president of the Aluminum Association of Canada (AAC), Jean Simard.

Federal officials like the Bloc Québécois MP for Jonquière, Mario Simard, would be more comfortable with a Democrat on the other side of the border. “I am convinced that Mr Biden is a much more rational political actor than Mr Trump,” he said. I don't think he would have done the stupidity to put tariffs on aluminium. ”

The spontaneous reactions of the outgoing president caused headaches in the economic circles of the region.

"The danger with Mr Trump is that he is unpredictable," said Mario Simard. We may have an interlocutor who is less unpredictable in sectors that interest us, which are aluminium and the forestry industry. ”

Jean Simard of the AAC doesn't believe he could be so different: “We tasted a lot of Mr Trump's protectionist sauce. It would be difficult to go any further.”