US midterm results a 'victory' for Canadians hopeful of tariff relief

It was the midterm result that many in Canada had hoped for - a Democratic sweep that was in part a repudiation by American voters of Donald Trump's tariff on close trade allies.

"I was doing cartwheels down the street," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday morning, calling it "a victory for Canada".

Tuesday night's result is unlikely to grant Canada relief from those tariffs any time soon, but there is anticipation that the political shifts could create a more favourable environment for Ottawa to get the best deal now that on-again-off-again trade talks are back on.

US voters cited affordability as a main concern heading into the midterms and a survey by the Cato Institute in September, external suggested that about 75% believe the tariffs have raised prices.

In states like Maine and Michigan, tariffs played a significant role in the hard-fought races.

In Maine, incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins clashed with the White House over tariffs.

She successfully lobbied to have some duties that directly affected the state removed, including on road salt, refrigeration equipment and seaweed, but in the end lost to Democrat Troy Jackson.

A similar story played out in Michigan, where state's the automobile manufacturing industry is deeply intertwined with Canada's - and where Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers.

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