Why Canadians should care about what happens in the U.S. presidential election

The U.S. election can seem like a tiresome process that has little to do with Canada, but whoever the Americans vote for as their next president will impactpeople in Waterloo Region,says onepolitical researcher.

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"We're sleeping next to an elephant, so when they shift in bed, we feel it," research associate Simon Palamar said Tuesday on CBC Radio's The Morning Edition.

Palamarworksin global security and politics at Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo. While he admits the U.S. electoral process can seem long and gruelling,he told host Craig Norris that whatever happens on Nov. 8 will be felt in Canada.

"We do too much business with them[for it not to],"Palamar said.

"It's very much a region that's dependent on business with the outside world," Palamarsaid, calling U.S. politics a "pocketbook issue" for many residents."A lot of businesses in Waterloo Region rely on that steady, predictable trade with the United States."

Not only is the U.S. Canada'sbiggest trading partner,it's the largest economy in the world. And in apart of Canadathat is so heavily dependent on technology and innovation that relies on trade relationshipsto reach its full potential, American leadership isespecially important for those who live or work inWaterloo Region, according to the researcher

Not your typical race

But this year's U.S. electoral campaign has been anything but predictable, at least with the Republican Party. Billionaire businessmanDonald Trumphas become the party's presidential nominee, which is making things interesting for those who follow politics.

"He's very entertaining, he's a bolt out of the blue. Whether you like him or not, he's a departure from the norm in American politics," Palamar said.

"There's excitement, anger, anxiety, fear about Donald Trump, but I think there's a lot of ambivalence," he added.

As a trustedally and neighbour, Canada will have to be ready and responsible to however the U.S. chooses to move forward, and not just in terms of the economy. Palamar said U.S. leadership will affect Canadianforeign policy, as well.

"When we go to war, when we send troops to dangerous places,we almost always go alongside the Americans," he said.

If the Americans choose Hillary Clinton as their next president Palmater said he expectsthe course will remain largely the same for Canadians as a continuation of the policies put forward by incumbent President Barack Obama.

But uncertainty prevails,with Trump in the ring of contenders. He's a man with no political background who has talked about getting rid of the North America Free Trade Agreement, a move that directly impact a huge swath of Canadians.

"No one knows," Palamar said of what Trump may do if elected. "And that's the real wildcard."