Border towns in Washington state are feeling the pinch as British Columbians continue to avoid crossing the border. This trend, which has persisted since the end of 2025, is causing concern among local businesses that rely heavily on Canadian visitors. The Whatcom Council of Governments reports a 35% drop in southbound border crossings for B.C. vehicles in 2025 compared to 2024. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including a weak Canadian dollar, the absence of a consumer carbon tax, and the strained relationship between Canada and the U.S. due to the tariff war and annexation threats. The mayor of Blaine, Washington, expresses fear that the trust between Canadians and Americans may be broken for generations. This situation has led to a significant drop in Canadian traffic, affecting businesses in border towns like Blaine. The immigration lawyer Len Saunders highlights the impact of rhetoric from the U.S. federal government, which has discouraged Canadians from crossing the border. Despite the challenges, there are calls for strengthening cross-border relationships and maintaining good relations between the two regions, even if it means Canadians don't cross the border as frequently.
