The PNWER Connection: March Activities in Review

March was a busy month for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), as our team traveled to Washington, D.C., informed policy decisions and remained steadfast in our mission to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations across our 10-jurisdiction region. In this blog, we’ll share updates on our response to evolving U.S.-Canada trade policy, highlight upcoming events and showcase new initiatives underway at PNWER. We’re looking forward to the PNWER Annual Summit in Bellevue, WA on July 20-24. Register today to join over 600 public and private sector leaders at this premier cross-border event.

We Want to Hear From You: U.S. - Canada Tariff Impact Assessment
In response to the implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs, and the threat of across the board 25% tariffs, PNWER is conducting a non-attributed survey to assess how tariffs on the U.S. and Canada may impact businesses across the Pacific Northwest region. This survey will present PNWER with current real-world information we can provide to our legislative leadership, allow us to better understand the interdependencies within our regional supply chain and identify challenges businesses are already facing due to shifting trade policies. The data collected will be used to communicate recommendations and showcase the critical cross-border trade linkages in the region to our jurisdictional and federal leadership. We are receiving great feedback from our regional leaders and appreciate hearing from you.
Take the survey here, or visit http://bit.ly/3FLfSUO.  

U.S. and Canadian PNWER Delegates Sign Resolution Affirming Bi-National Relationship
On March 28, 25 sitting legislative delegates on PNWER’s 10-jurisdiction governing council signed a resolution that reflects PNWER’s shared commitment over 35 years to nonpartisan, cross-border cooperation. The resolution was signed by seven Republicans and nine Democrats in the U.S., and Members of the Legislative Assemblies of four parties from Canadian jurisdictions. It was sent to President Trump, the US Trade Representative, Congressional members from all PNWER states, and the Prime Minister of Canada.

This resolution reaffirms the value of our critical partnership, sends a clear message that bilateral cooperation is essential in ensuring long-term regional prosperity, and reinforces the value of working together across borders and political lines to tackle shared challenges. Read the resolution here.

PNWER Leadership Visits Washington, D.C.
​In early March, PNWER Executive Director Matt Morrison travelled to Washington, D.C., to engage with members of Congress and share important updates about our work in the Pacific Northwest. Matt travelled with Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association leadership and George Bailey, associate managing member of St. Regis Solar Hydrogen – Montana’s designated “node” for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub. 

While on Capitol Hill, Matt emphasized the importance of the US - Canada relationship.  He also discussed sustaining funding for the PNW Hydrogen Hub, and shared updates on PNWER’s cross-border hydrogen economy study, our Regional Infrastructure Accelerator transportation program, and other areas of focus within PNWER’s 16 working groups. In a turbulent time for U.S.-Canada relations, Matt reiterated the importance of our cross-border partnership and promoted PNWER’s role in convening economic development leaders on both sides of the border to best understand and support the integrated trading relationship within our region. Matt was able to meet with Congressman Ryan Zinke (R - Montana); Senator Steve Daines (R - Montana); Senator Tim Sheehy (R - Montana); Congressman Cliff Bentz (R - Oregon); Senator Maria Cantwell (D - Washington); Senator Patty Murray (D - Washington); Congressman Nick Begich (R - Alaska); and staff from Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office (R - Alaska).

Matt Morrison with PNWH2 leadership and George Bailey in DC. PC: PNWH2

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​Engaging Industry Leaders
In the wake of changing U.S.-Canada trade relations, PNWER convened a series of meetings with over 30 private sector and chamber of commerce leaders from across the region to discuss the potential impacts of tariffs on our integrated supply chain. These discussions – in concert with our tariff impact survey – help us develop a clear, data-driven picture of the impact of tariffs on the region’s businesses and economic competitiveness. 

PacifiCan Awards Grant to PNWER
On March 5, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, the Canadian Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced that PNWER Canada was awarded a $195,000 (CAD) grant from PacifiCan to develop a destination management strategy to improve cross-border travel to B.C. for marquee events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 
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Cross-border tourism is a key driver of economic growth, supporting jobs and strengthening connections between PNWER states, provinces and territories. This funding supports PNWER’s ongoing regional tourism initiatives to strengthen cross-sector communication and streamline processes to enhance the safety, efficiency and ease of cross-border travel.  This project will enable PNWER Canada to develop a ‘Know Before You Go’ interactive real time app that will help international travelers know what documents they need to visit Canada and the U.S.
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This grant is part of a $4.3 million tourism investment from PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program that aims to strengthen local economies and showcase B.C.’s rich culture, Indigenous history and natural wonders with memorable experiences for residents and visitors. Learn more here.

Regional Tourism Portal
In 2024, PNWER was awarded funding from the Port of Seattle’s Tourism Marketing Support Program to develop a Pacific Northwest regional tourism portal that will help visitors navigate the broader region ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The PNWER team is working closely with a British Columbia-based design company to build a central hub that will showcase tourism opportunities in all 10 PNWER jurisdictions. It is designed to provide real-time updates and important information for international visitors to best experience the Pacific Northwest. The portal is expected to launch in summer 2025. 

Informed Policy Advocacy 

• Aquatic Invasive Species: On March 13, PNWER Executive Director Matt Morrison testified before the Oregon House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment on HB2981. This legislation would direct the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife to study aquatic invasive species, including invasive quagga and zebra mussels. PNWER has studied the threat of invasive mussels for over a decade, finding that mussel invasion could cost the region over $500,000 a year. Matt added in his testimony that the Columbia River – a heavily trafficked shipping corridor with four dam/lock systems – would be tremendously impacted by an invasion of mussels. Watch the testimony here.​
• Recognizing the Alaska/Canada Relationship: Matt Morrison testified before both the House Natural Resource Committee on March 14, and the Alaska Senate Resources Committee on March 31 in support of the House Joint Resolution 11, recognizing the Alaska/Canada relationship. In addition to PNWER’s work convening the Arctic Caucus – a group focused on sustainable economic development in Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories – PNWER has long supported enhancements for the Shakwak Corridor as a symbol of enduring U.S.-Canada collaboration. Matt urged in his testimony that HJR11 be passed to reaffirm the Alaska-Canada relationship that strengthens economic ties, historic and cultural connections, cross-border tourism and goodwill. Watch the full testimony here. 

​Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI)
Since its inception in 2009, LEHI has educated state and provincial legislators, policymakers and governors’ advisors on the North American energy infrastructure and delivery system. LEHI's comprehensive curriculum helps policymakers understand how energy systems and infrastructure work, how energy infrastructure is built and financed, and the regulation and market impacts on energy infrastructure. LEHI will take place July 11-15 at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory campus in Richland, Washington, and October 22-25 in Washington, D.C.  LEHI was founded by PNWER in 2008 and is produced in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the National Governors Association (NGA), and the University of Idaho. For more information, visit www.lehi.institute. 

Upcoming Events

• Register Today: PNWER Annual Summit
  The PNWER Annual Summit will take place July 20-24, 2025 in Bellevue, Washington. This year’s event, themed Building a Resilient Future through Regional Collaboration, Innovation and Trade, will convene over 600 U.S. and Canadian business, government and academic leaders from across the Pacific Northwest. The preliminary agenda is now available! Learn more and register at www.pnwer.org/2025-summit.
• Save the Date: Cross-Border Supply Chain & FIFA Workshop
  PNWER is hosting a cross-border supply chain resiliency and FIFA preparedness workshop in Bellingham, Washington, June 3-4, 2025. This two-part event will feature panel discussions on the Pacific Northwest rail corridor, expanding regional seaport access, intercity transportation planning and border management ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More details to follow. 
• Pacific Northwest Rail Summit & Build Northwest Forum
  The PNWER Build Northwest Forum and Pacific Northwest Rail Summit will take place in Portland, Oregon, October 14-17, 2025. This two-part event will convene public and private sector leaders from across the region to discuss cross-border supply chains, innovative infrastructure and opportunities to enhance our region’s passenger and freight rail system. More information is coming soon.

​Sign up for our mailing list and be on the lookout for more PNWER events around the region as they are announced! ​

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