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The Border Policy Research Institute
The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) at Western Washington University is a multidisciplinary institute that undertakes research to inform policy-makers on matters related to the Canada–United States border, particularly in the Cascadia region.
Priority focus areas include:
- Border management
- Economic relationships
- Cross-border mobility
- Cross-border collaboration
Western Washington University established the BPRI in 2005 after September 11th transformed border relations and security. The BPRI continues to promote research, academic programs, and public programming on critical policy issues affecting border crossings between British Columbia and Washington State. We work closely with cognate programs at the university and collaborate with many public and private entities throughout the region.
BPRI Series: Trade & Tariffs in WA State
From Alaska to Maine, communities that border Canada worry US tariffs come at a personal cost
Dr. Laurie Trautman discusses tariffs with the AP- article featuring research done by the BPRI.
"The trade dispute will have far-reaching spillover effects, from price increases and paperwork backlogs to longer wait times at the U.S.-Canada border for both people and products" - Trautman
New data shows fewer people crossing B.C. border into U.S. under tariff threats
Dr. Laurie Trautman discusses changes in cross-border traffic in the BC-WA region with Global News.
"The numbers that we can look at suggests around a 30-per cent decrease in southbound travel for the month of February..."
Trump’s tariff threats stress WA’s Point Roberts
It’s an odd place to be as President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on all Canadian import and imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, leading to hurt feelings on the Canadian side. As things stand, the broader tariffs won’t go into effect until March 1 at the earliest. As they wait, Point Roberts residents and border experts are concerned about what that could mean for the small community and Washington as a whole.
Effect of Canadian Tariffs on Whatcom County
Jennifer Bettis speaks about the local impacts that tariffs might have in the Whatcom County area.
WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute Leading Critical Discussions on Cross-Border Challenges
Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) is playing a central role as a regional expert by fostering informed discussions and collaboration in a rapidly evolving border policy landscape.
Through media interviews, public forums, panel discussions, and local government meetings, the BPRI is working to connect regional stakeholders, develop collective knowledge and potential action plans to ongoing and intensifying cross-border challenges. The BPRI is committed to providing timely, relevant and clear information for stakeholders in our region to help our leaders and communities navigate these uncertain times.
A Border Between Friends- CDN Town Hall March 27th 2025
Join us for an insightful discussion on the impact of the Trump presidency on the U.S.-Canadian border and its nearby communities.
This event will feature an expert panel, including:
- Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell "Tank" Tanksley.
- Aaron Korthuis, staff attorney in the Impact Litigation Unit at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
- Laurie Trautman, Canadian-American policy expert and director of WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute.
- Edward Alden, WWU professor, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., and Canadian-American policy expert.
Event Details
Thursday, March 27, 2025
7-9 p.m.
Sehome High School Theater
Bellingham, Washington