Worried about Trump and economic shocks? Feds are too

Finance Minister Bill Morneau suggests the upcoming federal budget will have the room to deal with whatever economic climate may ensue as the Donald Trump administration takes over in the U.S.

Morneau met with a dozen private sector economists in Toronto Friday, but provided no details when asked about how Trump’s election win has impacted the budget preparation process. But, he says he will exercise prudence as he plans upcoming investments “to ensure we have the capacity to deal with the environment that we find ourselves in.”

There has been some concern that the new U.S. administration could spell trouble for the Canadian economy, particularly if border tariffs are implemented.

Read: How to protect investment portfolios under Trump

Craig Alexander, chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada, has said that Trump’s promise to boost infrastructure spending and cut corporate and personal taxes would fuel U.S. economic growth, which would benefit Canada. However, any moves to introduce protectionist measures and force business investment to return to the U.S. could harm Canada, says Alexander.

It remains to be seen whether or not such measures will be implemented.

A report Thursday by National Bank Financial Markets cautioned that exports of Canadian goods to the U.S. could fall by roughly nine per cent if Trump implements a 10 per cent border adjustment tax on imports.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting, Morneau said Ottawa plans to tout the importance of Canada-U.S. trade in discussions with the new administration. “Canada is the number one export destination for 35 of the United States,” Morneau said. “That’s providing critical impetus for U.S. jobs, and of course it’s positive in Canada as well. So that will be the frame for our discussions.”

Read: Liberals’ promised infrastructure spending slow to get out the door: PBO

Some of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s senior aides met recently with members of Trump’s inner circle.

As such, “we have had early dialogue with the incoming administration, and that’s positive because we want to have a strong relationship with the new administration,” Morneau said.

“We will continue to present Canada’s interests, as we always have, in a way that will advance our cause, but we are not yet at a stage where we can talk formally with the new administration.”

This article was originally published on Benefits Canada‘s companion site, Advisor.ca