Lynden, a small town in Washington, is just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border. With around 15,000 residents, it thrives on cross-border relationships, welcoming many Canadian visitors.
But lately, the trade tensions stirred by former President Donald Trump have left some locals feeling uneasy. While trade is often seen as a bridge between neighbors, many residents express concern. One person shared, “I’ve always viewed Canada as a sister state. The current situation is disappointing.” Another nearby resident echoed these feelings: “Tariffs hurt us; they hurt our friends.”
Residents here want their Canadian neighbors to know that they value the friendship. They feel frustrated that the leadership doesn’t reflect the wishes of the people in their communities.
A Bellingham local added, “Trump has negatively impacted our country and our relationships abroad.” He reflects a broader sentiment among those who fear the fallout from these policies. He often thinks about the consequences for communities along the 49th parallel.
In Lynden, many businesses rely on Canadian customers. Gary Slavin, who runs a taphouse in nearby Blaine, commented, “We must focus on working together. Our communities need to support each other, regardless of the border.” He hasn’t seen a drop in business yet, but worries about the future.
As summer approaches, he hopes for more visitors, saying, “We want people to come and enjoy what we have to offer.”
Laurie Trautman, a border policy expert at Western Washington University, emphasizes the importance of the relationship. She notes that many local industries, like oil refineries, depend on resources from Canada. “Our economies are intertwined,” she explained. “When there are conflicts, communities on both sides bear the brunt.”
Trautman remarked that despite the current tensions, the commitment to collaboration remains strong. She likened the situation to family conflicts, where the communities are often caught in the middle. “This feels worse than just a simple argument,” she noted. Residents hope for a return to better relations to strengthen the bonds that have long existed across the border.
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