B.C., Washington officials look for ways to streamline trade

VICTORIA (June 21, 1999) — With economic growth and trade between the two jurisdictions heating up, a new joint task force is being formed to find ways to improve transportation between British Columbia and the state of Washington.

The B.C.-Washington corridor task force will focus on opportunities for improved integration of cross-border infrastructure and gateway operations to encourage expanded two-way trade.

Two co-chairs will head the task force. Mike Harcourt, associate of the Sustainable Development Research Institute at UBC and the former B.C. premier, has been appointed as the B.C. co-chair. Tim Douglas, director of Washington’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, will represent Washington.

The co-chairs expect to deliver a proposed work plan to Clark and Locke by the end of June.

In April, B.C.’s exports rose by 12% over the same month last year, according to Statistics Canada. It was the eighth month in a row in which B.C. exports showed a year over year increase. Washington State is one of the province’s largest trading partners.