Participation of the Honourable Anthony Rota, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Honourable Patricia Bovey, Senator, on behalf of the Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate, and a Parliamentary Delegation, to the XXIII Mexico–Canada Interparliamentary Meeting in Mexico City, Mexico

From March 3–5, 2020, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Anthony Rota, M.P., and the Honourable Patricia Bovey, Senator, on behalf of the Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate, led a parliamentary delegation to the XXIII Mexico–Canada Interparliamentary Meeting in Mexico City, Mexico.

The delegation comprised Mrs. Chantal Piché Rota and the following members of the House of Commons: Mr. Stéphane Bergeron, Ms. Julie Dzerowicz, Mr. Melvin Arnold and Mr. Matthew Green. Accompanying the delegation were: Mr. Stuart Barnable, Chief of Staff to Speaker Furey, Mr. Alexandre Mattard-Michaud, Chief of Staff to Speaker Rota, Ms. Marlene Sandoval, Secretary to the delegation, Ms. Leslie Roach, Parliamentary Exchanges Officer, and Ms. Natalie Mychajlyszyn, Advisor from the Library of Parliament.

The meeting occurred in response to an invitation from Deputy Alfredo Femat Bañuelos, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States. During the meeting, the delegation met with the following legislators:

From the Senate of the Republic:

Senator Gina Andrea Cruz Blackledge;
Senator Hector Vasconcelos;
Senator Antares Vásquez Alatorre;
Senator José Ramón Enríquez Herrera;
Senator Joel Padilla Pena; and
Senator Rogelio Israel Zamora Guzmán.

From the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union:

Her Excellency Laura Angélica Rojas Hernández, President of the Chamber of Deputies;
Deputy Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo;
Deputy Mario Delgado Carrillo;
Deputy Alfredo Femat Bañuelos;
Deputy Porfirio Muñoz Ledo;
Deputy José Angél Pérez Hernández;
Deputy Sarai Nuñez Cerón;
Deputy Jesús Carlos Vidal Peniche;
Deputy Enrique Ochoa Reza;
Deputy Mirtha Iliana Villalvazo Amaya;
Deputy Ana Priscilla González García;
Deputy Frida Alejandra Esparza Márquez;
Deputy Hortensia María Norona Quezada;
Deputy María Lucero Saldana Pérez; and
Deputy Geraldina Herrera Vega.

In addition to their discussions with Mexican legislators, members of the Canadian delegation met with: Ms. Chantal Chastenay, Deputy Head of Mission and Minister-Counsellor, and other officials from the Embassy of Canada in Mexico. They also heard from Mr. Jesús Seade Kuri, Undersecretary for North America with Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Luz María de la Mora, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Economy; Ms. Olga Sánchez Cordero, Mexico’s Secretary of the Interior; and exchanged views with Deputy Gabriela Cuevas Barron, member of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The ambassadors of both countries, His Excellency Juan José Gomez Camacho, Ambassador of Mexico to Canada, and Mr. Graeme Clark, Ambassador of Canada to Mexico, were also present during the sessions.

As part of the XXIII Mexico–Canada Interparliamentary Meeting, the Canadian and Mexican delegations concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation Between the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons of Canada, and the Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States. Accordingly, they expressed their desire for a more extensive and diverse exchange of experiences and knowledge in their future engagement.

The Themes

Interparliamentary Meetings between Canada and Mexico have been held since 1975. They enable federal legislators from both countries to share their experiences, promote dialogue and advance parliamentary relations between the two nations. At the XXIII Mexico–Canada Interparliamentary Meeting, legislators from each country provided opening remarks, and delegates then focused their discussions on the following six themes:

Bilateral Economic Issues, Migration and Labour Issues;
Environmental Protection and Renewable Energies;
Inclusion for Indigenous Peoples;
Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women; and
Creative Economy and New Technologies to Achieve Social Inclusion.

At the conclusion of the meeting, delegates adopted a declaration (see Appendix A) that related, in part, to these six themes.

A. Bilateral Economic, Migration and Labour Issues

Canadian and Mexican delegates underscored the importance of trade agreements, such as the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as government-to-government and business-to-business frameworks, in strengthening commercial relations between the two countries. From this perspective, they discussed various issues of common interest, such as women’s economic empowerment, dispute-settlement mechanisms, the automotive sector, labour rights and the role of unions, wage reform and economic development, environmental protection, the contribution of Indigenous peoples and their enterprises, innovation, automation and the cultural sector.

In particular, delegates from the two countries highlighted the importance of micro, small and medium-sized firms to economic growth in Canada and Mexico. They also identified some of the factors that lead individuals to migrate under high-risk conditions, and discussed the importance of various mobility agreements between the two countries, including for youth, students and academic institutions. As well, they underlined the success of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and the value of the Indigenous Canadian Student Support Program for targeting a traditionally underrepresented group. Finally, delegates characterized the high rate of Canadian travellers to Mexico as a positive feature of their people-to-people links.

B. Environmental Protection and Renewable Energies

Canadian and Mexican delegates described environmental protection and renewable energies as important issues in the relationship between Canada and Mexico, and noted the potential for cooperation in these areas at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels; they mentioned, in particular, the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by members of the United Nations as a key basis for global action. As well, they expressed appreciation for assistance provided to each other when experiencing natural disasters and extreme weather events in recent years.

Moreover, delegates explored mechanisms for sharing knowledge and collaborating, options for energy sector reform, the role that different jurisdictions play in setting energy-related policies and regulations, the value of government initiatives in encouraging corpo rate social responsibility, support for innovation regarding power generated from hydroelectricity, wind and biomass, the role of the private sector, civil society organizations and individuals in relation to the development of renewable energy and environmental protection, the advantages and disadvantages of imposing a tax on carbon emitters, and the importance of considering marginalized groups, such as women and Indigenous communities, when developing energy and environmental policies.

C. Inclusion for Indigenous Peoples

Canadian and Mexican delegates examined a range of political, economic, social and cultural issues relating to Indigenous peoples in their countries. For example, they spoke about partnerships between the Indigenous communities in Canada and Mexico, inclusivity, reconciliation and consultation efforts, the vulnerability of Indigenous groups to climate change and mitigation strategies, the promotion of Indigenous culture, languages and self-identification, and ongoing challenges that Indigenous peoples experience relating to inequality and access to health services, housing, education and clean water. They noted that many of these issues are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, delegates identified other international frameworks intended to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Canada and Mexico have adopted, and the International Labour Organization’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169, which Mexico has adopted.

D. The Legalization of Cannabis

Canadian and Mexican delegates discussed, from the economic, social, health, regulatory and judicial perspectives, Canada’s recent experience with the legalization of cannabis. In doing so, they identified the roles and responsibilities of relevant jurisdictions, including Indigenous communities, expectations regarding changes to rates of use, the use of scientific evidence to guide the development of policies and legislation, and mechanisms for government accountability and legislative review. Concerning cannabis, they also spoke about amnesties for non-violent offenders, ongoing challenges relating to the persistence of the illicit market for cannabis, protecting the health and safety of youth, rehabilitation for addicts, balancing medicinal and recreational uses, as well as addressing such emerging challenges as ensuring a supply that is adequate to meet demand and preventing impaired driving.

Delegates also noted that few countries and jurisdictions in the world have legalized cannabis, but that Mexico is in the early legislative process of doing so. In that context, they underscored the importance of continued sharing of information between Canada and Mexico.

E. Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women

Canadian and Mexican delegates underscored that achieving gender equality and empowering women are critical global objectives, and are part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They exchanged information about recent developments in their respective countries and legislatures regarding this equality and empowerment, including Mexico’s near-parity in both legislative chambers, and Canada’s historically high proportion of female representation in Parliament and Cabinet with gender parity. As well, they discussed the impact of these developments on the legislative culture, the advantages and disadvantages of various methods for supporting women’s participation in politics, government initiatives promoting gender-based analysis to improve public policy, the importance of enhanced support for female entrepreneurs, and ongoing challenges relating to personal violence.

Furthermore, delegates commented on the progress that has been made since such milestones as – in 1916 – Manitoba’s women being the first in Canada to receive the right to vote and – in 2020 – the celebration of Ms. Leona Vicario as among the first female Mexican journalists and a historic figure during Mexico’s War of Independence. They characterized international frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and trade agreements, as important mechanisms by which to continue this progress.

F. The Creative Economy and New Technologies to Achieve Social Inclusion

Canadian and Mexican delegates emphasized the role that arts and culture, particularly such female artists as Mexico’s Frida Kahlo and Canada’s Emily Carr, play in enhancing the relationship between the two countries. They discussed the contribution of Canada’s creative sector to the country’s economic and cultural profile, potential cooperation between Canada and Mexico on legislation relating to intellectual property rights, copyright and resale rights, the role of legislatures and governments in supporting the creative economy and the cultural sector, establishing technical standards, regulations and codes of ethics concerning the application of technology, digital taxes, the potential for integrating at-risk or marginalized groups and low-profile artists into the creative economy, and the application of – and challenges arising from – digitalization and social media, as well as their impact on social transformation.

Delegates underscored the involvement of a variety of stakeholders, including the private sector, such international fora as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and museums and other cultural institutions in establishing innovative partnerships and initiatives relating to the creative economy. They also noted that a discussion of the creative sector aligns with attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals concerning decent work and economic growth, as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure, and provides a useful introduction to the United Nations’ declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

APPENDIX A: DECLARATION ADOPTED AT THE XXIII MEXICO–CANADA INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING

JOINT DECLARATION OF THE MEXICAN AND CANADIAN DELEGATIONS

Mexico City, 5 March 2020

In keeping with what was determined on March 5, 2020 during the XXIII Mexico–Canada Interparliamentary Meeting in Mexico City, the following is agreed:

Joint Declaration

Underscoring the historical, political, economic and social links between our countries, our 76 years of formal diplomatic relations and our close ties, the Congress of the Union and the Parliament of Canada welcome the holding of the XXIII Canada–Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting.
Affirming the value of parliamentary diplomacy as a mutually beneficial platform to enhance understanding among legislators, facilitate the exchange of information, and express views on matters of common interest.
Commemorating the 45 year friendship between the Congress of the Union and the Parliament of Canada as expressed primarily through the mechanism of the Interparliamentary Meeting, a forum that allows for frank and open discussion of the relationship between Mexico and Canada, as well as the best practices of both parliaments.
Emphasising that the Canada–Mexico Interparliamentary Meetings monitor key themes to our Parliaments, notably, people-to-people ties, the sharing of best practices, and creating inclusive legislative bodies.
Re-affirming our on-going commitment to dialogue at the bilateral, regional and international levels as an indispensable tool for addressing issues that are of fundamental importance to our citizens and for addressing global challenges.
Reiterating the close and special bilateral relationship between our countries, based on international principles and shared democratic values.
Recognizing that an increasingly interconnected world presents opportunities and challenges related to sustainable development, the advancement and the empowerment of all peoples, social diversity and inclusiveness among others, and that more than ever such challenges and opportunities require common approaches and multilevel engagement.
Declaring that progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, notably its 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets, is of paramount significance for all nations and people, and, accordingly, merits a focused discussion at the interparliamentary level.
Having heard and considered the views expressed by the legislators at the XXIII Canada–Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting, we express our desire to work together in the following areas:

B. Recognizing that free trade agreements bring progress and benefits to both nations, we commit to our legislative responsibilities regarding the recently concluded Tratado México–Estados Unidos–Canada / Canada–United States–Mexico Agreements as well as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as instruments for economic growth and integration of the North American region.

C. We continue to ensure that migration and labour mobility between our nations are undertaken according to policies consistent with international principles and our individual national laws, under an approach that promotes unrestricted respect for human rights, considering migration as one of these, in order to achieve a safe, organized and regular migration policy.

D. Recognizing the on-going need for a progressive and effective response to the effects of climate change, we agree to support multilateral measures such as the Paris Agreement as well as decisions made at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As part of our efforts, we encourage strategies that promote the use of and access to cleaner technologies and fuels, provide affordable, reliable and modern energy infrastructure, protect our marine areas and coastal communities from various forms of pollution including plastics.

E. We encourage efforts that strengthen engagement with and among the Indigenous peoples of our countries, that respect their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and, in line with plans to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, that improve their social and economic well-being, supporting their inclusion and recognizing their own history.

F. We support the exchange of information and experiences between our legislators regarding cannabis legalization, including in respect of education, health, safety and trade issues, among others.

G. We commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the commitments made to foster the equality, empowerment and advancement of women and girls as foundations for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. We encourage urgent multilevel measures that advance the achievement in our countries of Sustainable Development Goal 5, including among others ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere, ending violence against women and girls, as well as adopting and enforcing legislation that promotes gender equality, including attention to Indigenous women.

H. We recognize the contributions that technological innovation makes to achieving environmental goals, increasing resources and energy efficiency, and maximizing industrialization and sustainable development. We encourage measures that address challenges relating to uneven access to and consequences from these technologies.

The two delegations agree that the next interparliamentary meeting should be held in Canada in 2021.

Signed in Mexico City on 5 March 2020.

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H.E. Dep. Laura Rojas Hernández

For the Chamber of Deputies of the United Mexican States

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Hon. Anthony Rota, M.P.

For the House of Commons of Canada

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Sen. Patricia Bovey

For the Senate of Canada

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Sen. Gina Andrea Cruz Blackledge

For the Senate of the Republic