As with all American elections Canadians paid much attention to the 2000 presidential election; however, Canada paid less attention compared to other years. The 2000 election in the United States was fought mainly over domestic policy; issues like Social Security and education were central to the campaign but of little interest to Canadians. Moreover the end of the U.S. election was overshadowed by the 2000 Canadian election that was held on November 27.

As with all other recent US elections Canada favoured the Democrats more than the Americans. An Environics poll in the fall of 2000 found that 49% of Canadians would vote for Gore if they could while 29 percent backed Bush. Every region of Canada backed Gore but he was most popular in Ontario with 55 percent of the population backing him. Bush rated highest in Alberta, trailing with 33 percent support, compared to 40 percent in that province for Gore.

Canada was mentioned twice in the presidential debates, both times in the first debate. Al Gore mentioned how American seniors were being forced to go to Canada for cheaper prescription drugs. George W. Bush mentioned Canada when he called for the need for a continental energy policy including both Canada and Mexico.

The Canadian government, as is proper protocol, took no side in the American election but it is well known the governing Liberals preferred Gore. Relations between Jean Chrétien and Bill Clinton had been very good and the Canadians and Clinton administration had cooperated successfully for many years. The Canadians hoped this would continue under Gore. Gore's foreign policy also matched that of the Canadian government, including joining the International Criminal Court, support for the Kyoto Accord, and opposition to National Missile Defense. During the campaign Raymond Chrétien , Canada's ambassador to the United States and Jean Chrétien's nephew mentioned that Al Gore had been "a friend to Canada." These remarks caused some controversy in Canada as diplomatic protocol insists on neutrality of emissaries.

External links

• Environics poll