02/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/27/2026 15:51
WWU News
February 27, 2026
Ginny Broadhurst, director of Western Washington University's Salish Sea Institute, and Jennifer Bettis of the Border Policy Research Institute joined Senator and WWU Associate Professor of Economics Sharon Shewmake as the state senate adopted Shewmake's resolution SR 8696, recognizing Washington's interconnected relationship with Canada.
The resolution, signed and adopted on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Olympia, acknowledges the economic, political, and cultural ties between Washington state and British Columbia, including tourism, shared natural resources, environmental challenges, and relationships with Indigenous First Nations and Tribes.
Other special guests at the bill signing included Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward, and Consul General of Canada Craig Weichel.
After the bill was adopted and signed, the Senate recognized the Border Policy Research Institute and the Salish Sea Institute for their continued efforts to promote cross-border cooperation.