Participation of the Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate, and the Honourable Geoff Regan, P.C., M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and a Parliamentary Delegation, to the XXII Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting in Ottawa, Canada
From February 24-26, 2019, the Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Geoff Regan, P.C., M.P., hosted the XXII Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting in Ottawa, Canada. The following Canadian and Mexican legislators participated in the meeting:
From the Senate of Canada:
- The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate;
- The Honourable A. Raynell Andreychuk, Senator;
- The Honourable Yuen Pau Woo, Senator; and
- The Honourable Peter Boehm, Senator.
- The Honourable Geoff Regan, P.C., M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons;
- The Honourable Robert Nault, P.C., M.P.;
- The Honourable John McKay, P.C., M.P.
- The Honourable Kellie Leitch, P.C., M.P.;
- Mr. Anthony Rota, M.P.;
- Mr. Randy Hoback, M.P.;
- Mr. Murray Rankin, M.P.;
- Mr. William Amos, M.P.;
- Mr. Frank Baylis, M.P.;
- Mr. Earl Dreeshen, M.P.;
- Ms. Julie Dzerowicz, M.P.;
- Mr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette, M.P.;
- Mr. Dan Ruimy, M.P.; and
- Mr. Marc Serré, M.P.
From the Senate of the Republic of the United Mexican States:
- Ms. Antares Guadalupe Vázquez Alatorre, Senator, Secretary of the Senate's Directive Board and Co-Chair of the Delegation;
- Mr. Héctor Vasconcelos, Senator;
- Ms. Gina Andrea Cruz Blackledge, Senator;
- Ms. Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, Senator;
- Mr. Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda, Senator;
- Ms.Elvia Marcela Mora Arellano, Senator; and
- Mr. Eduardo Enrique Murat Hinojosa, Senator.
From the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States:
- Mr. Alfredo Femat Bañuelos, Deputy, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Delegation;
- Ms. Saraí Núñez Cerón, Deputy;
- Ms. María Lucero Saldaña, Deputy;
- Ms. Geraldina Isabel Herrera Vega, Deputy; and
- Mr. José Ángel Pérez Hernández, Deputy.
The Themes
Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meetings, which have been held since 1975, provide federal legislators with an opportunity to share their experiences, discuss issues and advance parliamentary relations between the two countries. At the XXII Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting, legislators from each country provided opening remarks and the following three themes were then discussed:
- Cooperating Within North America and Internationally;
- Preparing for the Impact of Innovation on the "World of Work"; and
- Meeting Environmental Challenges.
At the conclusion of the meeting, legislators adopted a declaration (see Appendix A) relating, in part, to these themes.
- Cooperating Within North America and Internationally
- Preparing for the Impact of Innovation on the "World of Work"
- Meeting Environmental Challenges
- Recognizing the importance of the mutually beneficial and multi-faceted relationship between our countries, our 75 years of formal diplomatic relations, and our close historical, economic and cultural ties, we welcome the holding of the XXII Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting.
- Believing that annual meetings between Canadian and Mexican legislators are vital for ensuring the dialogue that leads to joint problem solving and cooperative efforts, we appreciate opportunities to share ideas, enhance understanding and engage in frank discussions.
- Realizing the interdependence between our countries in economic, environmental and other areas, and the contributions that we make in helping to resolve global concerns, we applaud the willingness of our legislative bodies to work together bilaterally, regionally and internationally on issues that are of critical importance to our citizens and others in the world.
- Affirming that our countries have a respect for sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law, as well as for human rights, we believe that these values are among the foundational elements upon which our bilateral relationship is built and sustained.
- Acknowledging that migration, trade and investment, innovation and environmental challenges affect citizens, businesses and communities in our countries and elsewhere in the world, we express our conviction that parliamentary diplomacy is a primary means by which progress can be made in these and other important areas.
- Being convinced about the need to promote better understanding on common interests, encourage the exchange of information and best practices, and initiate discussions aimed at deepening and widening areas of understanding and cooperation, we urge legislators who have an interest in the Canada—Mexico relationship to take all available opportunities to continue their dialogue during the period between Canada—Mexico interparliamentary meetings.
- Having heard and considered the various perspectives expressed by legislators at the XXII Canada—Mexico Interparliamentary Meeting, we indicate our wish to work together in the following areas:
- Knowing that migration is a phenomenon that is occurring throughout the world, including in North America, and that bilateral trade and investment contributes to prosperity in both of our countries, we agree that there is a need for Canada and Mexico to work together internationally and regionally with human rights and other perspectives to address migration, and to take actions that support enhanced and rules-based free trade and investment, as well as ratification of the Canada—United States—Mexico Agreement.
- Recognizing that innovation can have both positive and negative impacts on the ways in which people work and businesses operate, and that investments in skills development and other areas are a safeguard against automation-related risks, we support a strong role for legislators in ensuring that sufficient funding is available for needed investments and that workers who are displaced or otherwise negatively affected by innovation are appropriately supported.
- Having shared environmental and related goals, as demonstrated by our endorsement of the Paris Agreement and other public policy mechanisms designed to enhance environmental protection, and an understanding that growth has benefits for our citizens and countries, we affirm our commitment to fostering cooperation among levels of government designed to ensure that economic growth occurs in a manner that does not compromise the health of the environment.
Regarding the theme of Canada and Mexico cooperating within North America and internationally, Canadian legislators mentioned such issues as the two countries' 75 years of diplomatic relations, the number of Canadians who visit Mexico each year as tourists or who reside there for at least part of the year, the importance of implementing the Paris Agreement, the Lima Group's declarations concerning the crisis in Venezuela, Canada's capacity building programs in Central America, the activities of Canadian firms in Mexico's mining sector, measures to promote gender equality, the positive outcomes of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers and Youth Mobility Programs, and efforts to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
As well, Canadian legislators recognized the migration that occurs as people flee conflict and the consequences of natural disasters, seek economic opportunities and pursue family reunification. They focused on bilateral collaboration concerning migration issues, including in the context of the United Nations and other initiatives, the need to address the root causes of migration, improvements to refugee determination processes, and support in settling and integrating newcomers.
Canadian legislators also mentioned the opportunities to increase trade that would result from the Canada—United States—Mexico Agreement and a potential Canada—Pacific Alliance free trade agreement, and that are expected to result from implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans—Pacific Partnership.
Mexican legislators too noted the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Canada before highlighting the opportunities for bilateral cooperation with Mexico's new government, the similarities and differences between Mexico and Canada, the success of Canada's Seasonable Agricultural Workers Program and the potential for its expansion to other sectors, and the need to work together to address global challenges. In their opinion, these challenges include fully achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, protecting Indigenous peoples, combatting climate change, ensuring gender equality in certain areas, addressing mining-related human rights and environmental concerns, fostering innovation, defending human rights, expanding civil liberties, fighting corruption and enhancing security.
Concerning the situation in Venezuela, Mexican legislators spoke about the Estrada Doctrine, questioned whether the doctrine is now outdated, and pointed out that many Mexicans support both Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president and new elections in that country. According to them, the crisis in Venezuela is leading to migration challenges, and economic development — including in relation to Central America — is the best means of addressing migration. In their view, Canada could play a role in the development of a comprehensive development plan for Central America.
As well, Mexican legislators noted that the Mexico—United States—Canada Agreement would provide Mexico and Canada with an opportunity to enhance cooperation and strengthen their trade linkages. They also suggested that this agreement would allow North America to regain its competitiveness following the uncertainty that was created during the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
On the theme of preparing for the impact of innovation on the "world of work," Canadian legislators raised the following questions: For whom, by whom and for what purpose is innovation being undertaken? Where do we want to be in the future, and how do we get there? They said that innovation must be commercialized in order to have an impact, and noted that partnerships among educational institutions, the private sector and governments, as well as Canada's innovation superclusters, can help with commercialization.
Concerning the labour market impacts of innovation, Canadian legislators commented that technology can displace workers, but it can also provide flexibility regarding the timing and location of work. In their opinion, people must engage in lifelong learning to ensure that their skill sets meet employer needs, universities and colleges must react quickly to changing knowledge and skill requirements, and legislators must regulate new technologies in a timely manner and — hopefully — with consistency throughout North America. Canadian legislators also mentioned that, like Mexico, some communities in Canada experience Internet-related challenges.
Mexican legislators highlighted the phenomenon of the "Internet of Things," mentioned that technology can have unanticipated dimensions, and suggested that social and economic development are direct results of research and development. According to them, innovation should not be an end in itself or a means of generating higher profits, but rather something to be used to bring about a better distribution of wealth and social equity. They also commented that the Fourth Revolution should lead to a more equitable and just society, and pointed out that innovation should add value in ways that make people's lives better.
Furthermore, Mexican legislators stated that workers and firms need to become more adaptable and competitive in this digital age and indicated that people must continually learn new skills. They also speculated that automation will not supplant workers as quickly as some expect and — at least to some extent — will instead transform jobs. Moreover, they cautioned that innovation should be considered from the perspective of governance.
Concerning the actions that are needed to meet environmental challenges, Canadian legislators noted enhanced corporate social responsibility, especially in relation to mining, and indicated that Canadian mining firms are held to account for their activities abroad. They also said that carbon pricing regulations and policies exist within Canada.
In commenting on the cooperation between Canada and Mexico that occurs through the Commission on Environmental Cooperation established by the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, Canadian legislators suggested that governments in Canada and Mexico should focus on the environment chapter in the Canada—United States—Mexico Agreement. In their view, there is a disconnect among the funds allocated to such entities as the Commission on Environmental Cooperation, the political will to collaborate on environmental issues, and the public's desire for such cooperation.
According to Mexican legislators, despite the existence of environmental challenges throughout the world, some people either continue to believe that climate change is not occurring or that — if it is occurring — it is not the result of human activities. In noting that carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis but has consequences for global warming, they pointed out that North America is vulnerable to environmental changes, including to such extreme weather events as floods, heat waves, droughts and hurricanes. In their opinion, the various levels of government may have to do more in order to reach climate change goals.
Regarding the Mexico—United States—Canada Agreement, Mexican legislators characterized the agreement's environment chapter as a good start, and described the United States as a key regional partner and neighbour as Mexico and Canada pursue their climate change goals. They cautioned that concrete and immediate actions must be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change, and suggested that taxes could be applied on polluters, walking and biking could be encouraged as transportation options, recycling and the sorting of trash could be encouraged, and plastic straws and bags could be eliminated or taxed.
APPENDIX A: DECLARATION ADOPTED AT THE XXII CANADA—MEXICO INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING
JOINT DECLARATION OF THE CANADIAN AND MEXICAN DELEGATIONS
Ottawa, Canada, 26 February 2019
Joint Declaration
As Canadian and Mexican legislators, we remain committed to parliamentary diplomacy, which contributes to greater understanding and cooperation for our joint benefit, and to strengthening our relationship so that it may endure and serve as an example for other nations. As well, we support public policies that benefit our legislatures and our citizens, and that recognize the need for economic development to support human development.
It was agreed that the XXIII Mexico—Canada Interparliamentary Meeting should be held in Mexico in 2020.
Signed in Ottawa, Canada on 26 February 2019.
_________________ Hon. George J. Furey, Q.C. Head of the Canadian delegation |
__________________ Senator Antares Guadalupe Vázquez Alatorre Head of the Mexican delegation |
_________________ Hon. Geoff Regan, P.C., M.P. Head of the Canadian delegation |
__________________ Deputy Alfredo Femat Bañuelos Head of the Mexican delegation |