The study, which is expected to conclude in June, will examine the possibility of setting up high-speed rail using magnetic levitation technology connecting B.C. to Oregon and Washington. (Business in Vancouver, Georgia Straight)

Talking point: This is the latest sign of deepening ties between the Vancouver and Seattle tech hubs. A seaplane service between the two cities, launched in April 2018, is now heavily used by business people, including those from Microsoft and Amazon, which both have significant presences in those cities. The closer integration is paying dividends—Washington now exports more to B.C. than the rest of Canada combined; B.C. now exports almost as much to Washington as it does to China. There are two key factors driving the closer ties. B.C. Premier John Horgan and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee have a close relationship; this $300,000 announcement came during Horgan’s fourth trip to see Inslee in the past 18 months. The other key player is tech giants—including Microsoft, Amazon and WeWork—which have all made significant financial commitments to integrate the corridor. Microsoft, for example, said it would spend $10 million over five years.