The relationship between Canada and Mexico has been strained in recent years, marked by visa restrictions and public calls for a bilateral trade deal excluding Mexico. However, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's state visit to Mexico to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo signals a potential turning point. This visit is not merely about resolving past diplomatic issues; it's about forging a stronger, independent relationship between two North American neighbors often overshadowed by their ties with the United States.
For decades, both countries prioritized their relationships with the US, neglecting the potential for closer collaboration. However, the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy under previous administrations has prompted a reassessment. Canada and Mexico now recognize the value of a stronger bilateral partnership, viewing each other not as secondary partners but as economic and cultural complements.
While no major deals are anticipated immediately, the visit itself holds significant symbolic weight. The lack of deep historical ties, linguistic differences, and geographical distance have historically hampered closer relations. Trade has been the primary focus, with Mexico becoming Canada's third-largest trading partner after the implementation of NAFTA (now USMCA). However, experts like Alejandro Díaz-Bautista, a professor at the College of the Northern Border, highlight the need to move beyond a purely functional relationship towards deeper cultural and political understanding.
Past tensions, particularly during the Trump era, saw Canada prioritize its relationship with the US, even at the expense of Mexico. Statements by Canadian politicians reflect a historical lack of understanding and even apprehension toward Mexico. However, the current administrations in both countries are taking a more collaborative approach, recognizing mutual benefits.
The increased number of Mexican students studying in Canada points toward a growing people-to-people connection. Anecdotal evidence suggests a surprising degree of cultural commonality between Canadians and Mexicans, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This is further strengthened by shared economic interests and environmental challenges, such as fighting wildfires and managing natural gas resources. The potential for collaboration extends beyond these areas, given both countries' increasing roles as destinations for migrants.
Experts like Shauna Hemingway, a former Canadian diplomat, emphasize the complementary nature of the Canadian and Mexican economies and environments. The shift towards a more collaborative relationship is a significant development in North American geopolitics, suggesting a future where Canada and Mexico actively shape their own destiny, rather than simply reacting to the actions of their larger neighbor to the south.
---
Originally published at: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2025/0917/mexico-canada-carney-sheinbaum-trump
