Western Insights: COVID-19 and Cross-Border Connections: Implications for the Cascadia Region

Canadian Flag and the USA Flag on opposing sides with a crossed out COVID19 in the middle

WHEN
Friday, June 19, 2020
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION
Zoom
Register to receive Zoom login instructions

PRICE
Free


 

Check out this video to watch the Western Insights: COVID-19 and Cross-Border Connections: Implications for the Cascadia Region.

On March 21st, the Canada – U.S. border closed to all ‘non-essential’ passenger travel, marking the beginning of an unprecedented disruption to the flow of people (but not goods) between the two countries. Since restrictions were put in place, traffic volumes have declined by 98%. The B.C. – Washington region is one of the busiest along the northern border, and the continual flow of people, ideas, and business has enabled the region to thrive. It is known internationally for its success in advancing cross-border innovation and collaboration. This panel discussion will explore the state of our cross-border connections, as well as the implications of COVID-19 on our ability to maintain them.

We invite you to join Western Insights in a discussion with Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Ph.D. Regional Labor Economist with the Washington State Employment Security Department, Robert Kerr, Consul Political, Economic and Public Affairs in the Pacific Northwest with the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle and Edward Alden, Western’s Ross Distinguished Visiting Professor and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C.

The discussion will be moderated by Laurie Trautman, Ph.D., Director of Western’s Border Policy Research Institute. BPRI actively engages in a range of research activities focused on the U.S. – Canada border, particularly in the Washington – British Columbia region. Topics include trade, transportation, security, and human mobility. Western Washington University established the BPRI in 2005 to further a mission of promoting research, academic programs, and public programming on critical policy issues affecting the Cascadia region.

Western Insights is an online panel series created in response to COVID-19 to provide the broader region, Western alumni, friends, and students with access to information on current events drawing from the University’s nationally respected experts. This free series is offered entirely online and is open to everyone.

Speakers
Annelise Vance-Sherman has served as a regional labor economist with the Employment Security Department since February 2010. The region she covers extends from the Seattle Area to the Canada-US border. Anneliese works closely with economic and workforce development partners throughout her region and statewide, providing local labor market intelligence to help inform strategic decision-making.

Edward Alden is a Ross Professor and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., and author of Failure to Adjust: How Americans Got Left Behind in the Global Economy (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017). He has testified to Congress numerous times, written widely for major newspapers including the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, and appeared on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, PBS News Hour and Bloomberg Surveillance. Prior to joining the Council, Mr. Alden was the Washington bureau chief for the Financial Times.

Robert Kerr is a Consul for Political, Economic & Public Affairs in the Pacific North West at Global Affairs Canada.

Moderator
Dr. Laurie Trautman is the Director of the WWU Border Policy Research Institute. Laurie engages in a range of research activities focused on the U.S. – Canada border, particularly in the Washington – British Columbia region. Topics include trade, transportation, security, and human mobility. In addition to working with faculty and students, she collaborates with the private sector and government agencies to advance policy solutions that balance cross-border flows with the need for efficiency and security.