PNWER at Work > Working Groups > Border Issues
About
The Border Issue Working Group is a collaborative forum consisting of legislators, industry leaders, and policy experts dedicated to addressing critical challenges and opportunities at the shared border. Through a series of high-level discussions, the group examines border resiliency, cross-border trade and travel, and the future of border management.
By bringing together stakeholders from government agencies, transportation and logistics, public policy, and private industry, the working group aims to develop actionable solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and sustainability. It provides a platform for fostering cross-border cooperation, learning from past disruptions—such as the unprecedented border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic—and proactively planning for future challenges, including emergency response, technological advancements, and environmental impact.
The group's key focus areas include:
Through these discussions, the working group strives to shape policies that foster economic growth, improve traveler and trade facilitation, and ensure the long-term resilience of the U.S.-Canada border.
By bringing together stakeholders from government agencies, transportation and logistics, public policy, and private industry, the working group aims to develop actionable solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and sustainability. It provides a platform for fostering cross-border cooperation, learning from past disruptions—such as the unprecedented border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic—and proactively planning for future challenges, including emergency response, technological advancements, and environmental impact.
The group's key focus areas include:
- Border Resiliency & Emergency Response: Strengthening collaboration in disaster response and preparedness to minimize disruptions in trade and travel.
- Enhanced Border Operations: Exploring pilot projects to reduce wait times and improve security and efficiency in land-border and truck cargo operations.
- Digital Innovation & Security: Enhancing the transition from an analog to a digital border with new technologies to streamline processes, particularly in preparation for high-impact events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Through these discussions, the working group strives to shape policies that foster economic growth, improve traveler and trade facilitation, and ensure the long-term resilience of the U.S.-Canada border.
PNWER is a founding member of the Future Borders Coalition (FBC), a bi-national organization with a multi-year mandate to promote a cohesive vision of the U.S.-Canada border based on the principles of efficiency, safety, and security, supported by continuous improvements in technology, processes, facilities, and innovation.
FBC membership is widely diverse and cross-sectoral, covering all modes of transportation (air, land, maritime), cargo and logistics, the tourism sector, and the academic research community. Together we bring practical expertise and research resources to generate evidence-based recommendations vetted by industry leaders. This combination is a powerful tool for constructive engagement with key decision-makers on the most pressing issues affecting the border. The Future Borders Coalition is dedicated to building a better Canada-U.S. border for travel and trade. |
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Leadership
Dr. Laurie Trautman
Director, Border Policy Research Institute Western Washington University Co-chair |
Solomon Wong
President & CEO InterVISTAS Co-chair |
PNWER Staff
Banner photo by Mark Stevens