aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

One Quick Question with the BPRI's Laurie Trautman

How could the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau potentially impact relations and trade with our closest ally?

by Kumiko Juker

WWU Communications intern

Laurie Trautman, center, is the director of WWU's Border Policy Research Institute, a multidisciplinary institute that undertakes research to inform policy-makers on matters related to the Canada–United States border, particularly in the Cascadia region.

"One Quick Question" is a semi-regular Western Today feature that reaches out a member of the Western community for their expertise on a topic of immediate public interest. Today's question was answered by Laurie Trautman, director of Western's Border Policy Research Institute.

How could the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau potentially impact relations and trade with our closest ally?

"Trudeau's resignation is unfortunately a reflection of disunity and turmoil in Canadian politics at the exact time when leadership in Canada - and Canada's approach to the U.S. - is particularly critical.  This creates a void in Canada - US relations, just as the Trump Administration takes office. Trump was already spouting antagonistic remarks about making Canada the 51st state, and appears to be on track to slap Canada with a range of tariffs. 

Without much ability to engage (Canada's parliament is now 'prorogued' which means no debates or votes will take place until March, and the next election also cannot be called until then), the Trump Administration may act swiftly (or not at all) on impending tariff threats." - Laurie Trautman

Learn more about the Border Policy Research Institute at https://bpri.wwu.edu/.