From NAFTA to 9/11: Challenges and Dilemmas Facing Western Canada-U.S. Border Towns

Abstract

Dramatic economic and security policy changes have occurred along the Canadaâ€"U.S. border as a result of the implementation of the 1989 Canadaâ€"U.S. Free Trade Agreement, the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994, and new security measures that were introduced after September 11, 2001. The resulting consequences for western border communities have been profound. This paper examines how the interaction of national and international policies influences activity at the local level and describes mechanisms that are available to small communities as they attempt to adapt and survive in these ever-changing policy environments.