WWU’s BPRI Presents to the Legislature on International Trade

Laurie Trautman, Director of WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI), presented in Olympia yesterday during a committee work session about sovereignty and trade before the Senate Economic Development and International Trade Committee as part of a broader panel discussion with the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) and the state’s Department of Commerce. Dr. Trautman serves as Co-Chair of the PNWER’s Border & Trade Working Group, which includes public and private sector representatives from throughout the northwest United States and Canada.

During her presentation, Dr. Trautman discussed the importance of the Canada–Washington State relationship, including its trade relationship. As Dr. Trautman explained, nearly a third of Washington imports come from Canada and Canada is the recipient of nearly ten percent of Washington exports. A productive trade relationship with Canada is vital to many industries in the state, including aerospace, mineral fuels, mechanical machinery, biotech, and the software industry.

Dr. Trautman also highlighted non-trade related benefits that the state receives from a strong Canada–Washington partnership. For instance, Washingtonians benefit from robust tourism and retail spending, increased safety from security collaboration, healthy cultural and familial ties, and shared environmental management related to the Salish Sea. Dr. Trautman also discussed the federal Columbia River Treaty and the Columbia River Treaty Symposium that Western organized last year in collaboration with Northwest Indian College.

Established in 2005, the BPRI is a multi-disciplinary research institute at Western that conducts research and promotes teaching and public programming on critical policy issues affecting the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on the Canada–U.S. border, the BPRI’s primary areas include trade and transportation, economics, immigration, border security, and the environment. Conveniently located near British Columbia in the northwest corner of the state, the BPRI is recognized by many public and private entities as an expert in their field. You can find additional information about WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute here.

Today marks the tenth day of the legislative session scheduled to conclude on March 8. The Western Legislative Review will continue to provide updates from Olympia during the weeks ahead, and you can follow WWU Government Relations on Twitter for additional information throughout session.