Sometimes things just happen for a reason. When we began planning a Pacific Northwest Study Mission to Vancouver, British Columbia last fall, there was no way to predict the trip would happen during an unprecedented time in the U.S.-Canada relationship. We chose Vancouver to strengthen our connections in advance of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 and learn how they are approaching shared challenges and opportunities such as public safety, transit investments, housing, and economic development. But wow, the trip ended up being a lot more than that.

Our ties to Canada are strong. Washington is the most trade-dependent state in our nation and Canada is our second-largest export market behind only China – and our largest import market overall. Innovators from sectors such as life sciences, quantum computing and cancer research collaborate across the border. And over the last 10 years, there has been a growing number of employers with a presence in British Columbia and Washington state representing a wide range of industries – Amazon, Boeing, Expedia, Costco, Google, Microsoft, SAP, Zillow, Amazon and WSP to name just a few. We share common values, culture, and love for the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

And when we found ourselves in Canada earlier this month, 60 Chamber members representing large and small employers, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, nonprofits, and regional and local government leaders and elected officials delivered an unequivocal message to our colleagues in Vancouver: We strongly oppose any trade policy that makes it more difficult for the U.S. to do business with one another and we deeply respect Canada’s sovereignty.

Trade restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, no matter where they come from, serve to isolate our countries from one another and limit what we can collectively do to improve the future for everyone. It damages the economies of our region, states, provinces, and nations, and it imposes what we know is the No. 1 enemy on most businesses: regulatory environment and tax uncertainty.

Rather than allow federal actions to push each other away, we will seek to grow closer with our peers in Vancouver as we approach the FIFA Men’s World Cup next year and long after the matches are over. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase Cascadia to a global audience and attract businesses and investments that will grow our economy and create opportunities for all for decades. An economic win for Vancouver is a win for Seattle, and vice versa, as demonstrated by the growing number of companies operating on both sides of the border.

We will carry the Cascadia message to our nation’s capital this May as part of the Portland and Seattle D.C. Fly-In, which will include representatives from British Columbia. The Chamber’s Intercity Study Mission to Toronto from May 13-16 is another opportunity to strengthen our ties with Canada. I hope you can join us on both trips. We also look forward to welcoming a delegation from British Columbia later this year when we will host networking opportunities that we hope you can join.

We solve our most pressing issues when we work in coalition together – in the Puget Sound region, in Olympia, and across Cascadia – and we will continue making every effort to ensure our region and state are welcoming and good partners, regardless of federal policy changes.

Relentlessly yours, Rachel

Rachel Smith (she/her/hers)

President & CEO

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