Crossing borders with Western’s Canadian American Studies team

The Canadian-American Studies team recently returned from the Crossing Borders Conference, hosted at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, where they presented far-reaching research on effective management of cross-border environmental issues and broadcast regulation, among the many transnational challenges that the U.S. and Canada navigate together. Led by WWU’s Center for Canadian-American Studies director Christina Keppie, Western students Mason Hobson and Peter Wagner were the only west coast students represented – and from only one of two U.S. universities.

Trans-boundary research

Mason Hobson presented research on how the U.S.-Canada border inhibits abilities to address environmental issues, examining existing systems within the Great Lakes cross-border region as a basis for cross-border action and implementation in the Salish Sea region. 

Fellow student Peter Wagner examined the limitations of Canadian content regulations in the Cascadia region and compared historical approaches to broadcast regulation in Canada and the United States, fusing a professional history in broadcast journalism with a deep interest in U.S.-Canada trans-boundary issues. 

“It was incredibly mind opening to be able to speak with other students and academics about this area of study and learn so much more about our Canadian neighbors,” said Hobson. “I’m very grateful to the Center for Canadian-American Studies to have allowed me to have such a rewarding opportunity and to be able to speak about something I’m passionate about.” 

Wagner added, “Having the opportunity to not only explore this fascinating topic area in greater depth, but discuss it with scholars from a multitude of backgrounds and present my findings is a highlight of my time at Western.” 

Growing interest in the U.S.-Canada relationship

Keppie said, “The level of engagement and interest that folks have in understanding the nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship continues to grow. I am immensely grateful to the Center for Canadian Studies at Brock University for providing this opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in the sharing of research and discussion on this important relationship. Western’s own Mason Hobson and Peter Wagner kicked it out of the park and were testimony to the value the Center for Canadian-American Studies brings to understanding the globally critical Canadian-U.S. relationship.” 

Crossing Borders is an interdisciplinary conference for undergraduate and graduate students to present their research on topics in Canadian Studies, American Studies, Indigenous Studies and aspects of cross-border relations. The event features high-quality research, engaged students and friendly and constructive feedback on the public presentation of research related to Canadian-American studies. 

For more information on WWU's Center for Canadian-American Studies, visit: https://canam.wwu.edu/