Border Policy Research Institute

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BPRI to study impact of border restrictions, among new projects

A research institute at Western Washington University is partnering with two Canadian universities to study several cross-border topics in the Cascadia region, including the impacts of pandemic travel restrictions.

WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) and Simon…

2023-03-24
By thinking beyond borders, Northwest leaders craft an innovative approach to climate change

For Laurie Trautman, director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University, these partnerships are a reason for optimism.

“I think we are uniquely positioned to build on our region’s incredible talent,” she said. “We have a history of being collaborative, and…

2022-12-05
Cross-border news sources impact Skagit headwaters mining threat

New research published by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) shows cross-border news sources and advocacy groups’ impact on efforts to prevent mining in the Skagit River headwaters.

Derek Moscato, BPRI faculty fellow and associated professor of…

2022-12-01
On the Border: Niagara Falls

"On the Border: Niagara Falls" is part of the BBC's "On the Border" series, and features WWU's Laurie Trautman of the Border Policy Research Institute.

2022-10-18
Strengthening the Ties that Bind Us in North America Across Our Borders

There are many social and economic ties that bind the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Certainly, our integrated supply chains, multinational businesses, and linkages between families and friends spread throughout the continent undergird the relationship. It is our borders, however, that…

2022-10-12
Peach Arch Park to remain closed despite end of border restrictions

“It has been very confusing to many of us who use the park, who do a lot of border policy work,” Laurie Trautman, director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University, said of the prolonged closure.

Even with the Canadian side closed, the park proved a…

2022-09-30
Is Canada about to ease requirements for crossing the border?

Overall, travel has been down between the U.S. and Canada when compared to 2019 and early 2020 numbers. This doesn't just affect businesses along the border, but also the ease of access that created a shared sense of place, says Laurie Trautman, director of the Border Policy Institute at…

2022-09-21
Many Americans still aren't coming to Canada. Is the ArriveCAN app to blame?

What's keeping Americans away? There could be many factors, such as Canada's vaccine mandate for foreign travellers and the lingering effects of the pandemic. 

"There's certainly a relatively slow rebound coming out of the pandemic," said Laurie Trautman, director of the Border…

2022-09-13
‘It’s a mystery’: Peace Arch Park remains closed

“May these gates never be closed” are the words written on the iconic Peace Arch at the Canada – US border.

“This area is the only place on the entire Canada-U.S. border where there’s an international peace park that people can cross to…

2022-06-13
In a pandemic world, wither Cascadia?

If mirth can be found in despair, a bit of it seeped through the cracks as Whatcom County soldiered through the early stages of the pandemic: “At least,” the local tongue-in-cheek wisdom went, “we can park at Trader Joe’s now.”

The reference was to border restrictions — barriers to entry…

2022-05-11
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