This program explored the regulatory environment of trading networks looking at how these networks functionally redesign borders and the ways in which they influence customs policies and practices. Professionals from the Canada Border Services Agency, the Pacific North West Economic Region, and the World Customs Organization, as well as leading academics in the field of border studies lead a curated syllabus of workshopped discussions, presentations, required readings, and practicum sessions. Learners developed a comprehensive understanding of the reality of 21st century borders and the context of trade flows in a globalizing world.
This program provided a new opportunity to engage with specialists on current issues pertaining to trade and customs to students and academics interested in border studies; trade and customs; and public policy, as well as professionals working in related sectors and interested community members.
The program was styled with a flexible learning format featuring both online and in person sessions, as well as the opportunity to develop a policy paper
Upon completion of the program, learners were able to:
1. Describe the physical and economic geography of Canadian borders, including different modes of transportation
2. Describe challenges and opportunities arising from sectoral and regional diversity in goods and services exports in historical and contemporary perspectives
3. Explain the interaction of bordering policies with the political economy of Canada’s trade and investment policies in the context of international activities and market flows
4. Evaluate the major political, economic, social, and technological forces, as well as international trends that have shaped custom mandates, roles, and policies in the Canadian context
5. Understand the role data science and information technology play in the risk and regulation of cross-border trade and travel
6. Describe the interconnectivity of energy networks and borders in the EU
7. Understand the mathematization of borders – i.e. the set of rankings, scoring, and computation practices related to borders and the national and international institutions that use and disseminate them.
