Canada and the United States share one of the world's longest borders and are each others largest trading partners. Canada is America's largest supplier of crude oil, natural gas and electricity. The U.S. and Canada are allies in the War on Terror and have been partners in NORAD for decades. However, as in most relationships, challenges and differences do exist. The Consulate General of Canada Seattle, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium, Canada America Society, Pacific Northwest Economic Region, World Affairs Council and Border Policy Research Institute, is organizing a two-day Student Conference to focus on the US-Canada border and issues of importance in the bi-lateral relationship.
Award:
- The Canadian Consulate General is the principal sponsor of the conference. Students will be provided with travel funds (airplane ticket or mileage), two nights shared accommodation in Seattle, ground transportation for the Border Tour and meals.
Event:
-
Thursday, March 15: students will travel to the US-Canada border Port of Entry at Blaine WA / Surrey BC for presentations and tours organized by the Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection. Students will learn about the operations of both agencies and how they partner to secure the border against threats while expediting travel for legitimate trade and commerce. The day will conclude with a Welcome Dinner in Bellingham, Washington and return to Seattle.
- Friday, March 16: the Conference will entail 4 panel presentations. The Microsoft Auditorium in the new downtown Seattle Public Library will be the venue. Each panel will have two teams. Each team will be composed of one American and one Canadian student. Each panel will focus on an issue of importance to Canada and the United States and last 90 minutes. The audience and a team of judges will select the team deemed to have made the best presentation and proffering the most convincing resolution / solution. The day will conclude with an Awards Reception / Dinner at the Seattle College Club.
Eligibility:
- A total of 16 students will be selected. Eight American and eight Canadian.
- Students must be full-time undergraduates attending a university in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, British Columbia or Alberta that is a member of the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium.
- Students will be paired (one American and one Canadian for each of the 8 teams) and assigned their issue upon notification. Students are invited to work with their faculty advisors to see if this may qualify as an independent study to earn course credit.
Application:
- The application deadline is January 14, 2008.
- PDF Application information and materials can be found here.
- For further assistance, contact Dr. Susan Gallagher at The Center for Scholarship and Faculty Development at gallaghe@spu.edu