WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute Begins Work on New ‘Border Barometer’ Project

Laurie Trautman, director of Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute has received a grant from the Government of Canada to fund a collaborative project with the University of Buffalo and the University of Windsor (Ontario).

The project, titled “The Border Barometer,” is a publication that presents an analysis of the performance of the Canadian/United States border from a regional perspective. The project is an attempt to draw attention to the significance of the relationship between Canada and the United States, and to deepen the relationship between neighbors across the border through information about regional efforts.  

The border plays an important role in the lives of many North Americans, both directly and indirectly, and influences economic and social interactions. Trautman said she feels this initiative is especially important now given the strained trade status between the two neighbors.

“‘The Border Barometer’ is an important contribution to advancing the relations between United States and Canada, particularly in the tense political environment of today, and it’s a great collaboration between the three leading centers of expertise on Canadian and United States border issues,” Trautman said.

For more information about the project, contact Laurie Trautman, director of Western’s Border Policy Research Institute, at laurie.trautman@wwu.edu.