Canada-Mexico relations

Canada-Mexico relations are relations between Canada and the United Mexican States.

History

Formal relations did not begin until 1944, at the height of the Second World War, which both countries participated in on the Allied side. Prior to the negotiations around the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) economic and political ties between Mexico and Canada were "weak."Foreign Affairs and International trade Canada: Canada and the World: A History - [http://www.international.gc.ca/department/history/canada10-en.asp 1984-1993: "Leap of Faith] ] Since NAFTA has come into force, the two countries have become much more important to each other, and often collaborate when dealing with the United States.

NAFTA and since

Canada had just signed a free trade agreement with the United States in 1988 (FTA) when the US, under president George H. W. Bush, began to negoitiate another pact with Mexico under president Carlos Salinas de Gortari. The Canadian government under prime minister Brian Mulroney feared that the advantages Canada had through the Canada-US FTA would be undermined, and asked to become a party to the US-Mexican talks.x] The result was that NAFTA replaced the previous Canada-US FTA.

Relations between the two governments are particularly strong at this moment. In October 2006, then president-elect Felipe Calderón visited Ottawa, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended the inauguration of the Mexican President. Both leaders are pro-market conservatives, Calderón of the National Action Party and Harper of the Conservative Party.

Migration

There are thousands of temporary workers who go to Canada from Mexico each year, and many to immigrate permanently as well.

Canadians don't need a visa to travel to Mexico [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp] . Mexicans don't need a visa to enter to Canada as a tourist [http://www.sre.gob.mx/delviajero/amer_norte/cand.htm] . However at the point of entry Mexicans must prove that they have enough money to finance their visit and will only remain temporarily

Trade

In 2006 Mexico was the fifth-ranked destination for Canadian imports (1%) and third-ranked source of imports (4%).Ontario Economic Development: [http://www.2ontario.com/welcome/coca_401.asp Canada's Major Trading Partners - 2006] ]

See also

* Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa
* Canada-Latin America relations

References