Canada issued 53.8 percent more work permits to U.S. residents through the first eight months of 2016 than for the same period last year, with many analysts pointing to the relatively calm political climate north of the border as a reason why more U.S. residents are working in Canada.

Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump has called the North American Free Trade Agreement (NATFA) with Canada and Mexico one of the worst trade deals ever mad and blames it for U.S.-based manufacturing jobs being moved abroad, particularly to Mexico.

That same deal, however, also allows U.S. residents in certain occupations, as well as individuals working with a company that has a Canadian office or affiliate, easier access to Canadian work permits.