Canada-Mexico partnership - 2017 Annual report

Table of Contents

• Part I Message from the National Co-Chairs of the Canada-Mexico Partnership
• Part II Profile and 2017 Institutional Report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership
• Part III Reports of the Working Groups
  1. Forestry
  2. Human Capital
  3. Trade, Investment and Innovation
  4. Energy
  5. Environment
  6. Mining
  7. Labour mobility
  8. Culture and Creativity (meeting between the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico and the Department of Canadian Heritage)

Part I: Message from the Presidents of the Canada-Mexico Partnership

We are pleased to present the Annual Report 2017 of the Canada-Mexico Partnership (CMP). As the pre-eminent working-level mechanism, CMP boost the bilateral economic cooperation on issues of mutual importance between Mexico and Canada. It provides a unique forum for the exchange of shared experiences and better practices in the creation of linkages, the analysis of topics of mutual interests and identifying areas for future collaboration. The CMP plays an important role in the Mexico-Canada relationship, which is witnessing unique political momentum driven by leaders in both countries, thus strengthening friendship ties and cooperation.

This annual event has established itself as the primary mechanism to advance the bilateral agenda between our two countries on issues such as: agri-business; trade, investment and innovation; environment; energy; forestry; human capital; labour mobility; mining and creativity and culture.

The 2017 Annual Report presents an impressive array of results of the 13th Annual Canada–Mexico Partnership Meeting, held in Mexico City on November 23rd and 24th, 2017.  The achieved outcomes reflect the deepening bilateral relationship and the shared values, as well as the importance that both countries assign to their tasks, responsibilities and commitments. Attendance reached new heights during the two-day meeting with about 180 Mexican and Canadian delegates from the private and public sectors participating in the eight Working Groups of the Partnership.

The Working Groups came together with a mandate to evaluate progress made during the previous year, and to plan for the coming year, in ways that align with the CMP objectives with the bilateral priorities between both countries, and as per the framework established through the Canada-Mexico High Level Strategic Dialogue (HLSD).

For the first time during the 2017 annual meeting, representatives of the Mexican Ministry of Culture and the Department of Canadian Heritage held a meeting to discuss culture and creativity in order to identify strategies for bilateral cooperation and  promote initiatives to address challenges on such issues as literature, indigenous languages, creative industries, digital agenda, and cinematography, among others.

The CMP participants highlighted the importance to continue improving synergies amongst the working groups. This year at least four joint sessions were held: the Human Capital Working Group (HCWG) met with the Energy Working Group (EWG); the Trade, Investment and Innovation Working Group (TIIWG) met with Creativity and Culture (CCWG); and Energy and Environment Working Groups met to discuss a new joint approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Mining and Environment Working Groups held a roundtable to exchange views on shared responsibility on environmental issues. The Labour Mobility Working Group held a videoconference on November 16 and the Agribusiness Working Group agreed to meet during the first trimester of 2018.

We recognize the participation of the private sector and of non-governmental organizations in the Working Groups’ activities which has increased throughout the years and greatly enriched the CMP agenda. Canadian provinces and the private industry have taken important roles, in areas of special interest and jurisdiction. We would like to highlight the participation of the provinces of Ontario, Québec, and Alberta during the 2017 CMP meeting.

The CMP was launched in 2004 to promote public and private cooperation in Mexico and Canada, to encourage innovation and propose new opportunities for bilateral collaboration that enhance economic development and the creation of public policies. Implemented actions in this mechanism are subject to a periodic revision to ensure that outcomes would accurately reflect the changing dynamics, challenges and priorities of our respective societies and governments.

Since its inception, thirteen years ago, the CMP has helped broaden professional networks between Mexico and Canada, in manufacturing, extractive industries and other sectors, and between academic and research institutions. It has been a stage for productive dialogue on a wide range of issues important to our growing and dynamic bilateral relationship.

As national co-chairs, we pledge to help implement the proposals agreed during the 13^th meeting with a view to making the CMP an even more dynamic, innovative, integrated and efficient mechanism across the public and private sectors of our two countries in the coming years.

We extend our gratitude to all the co-chairs and members of the Working Groups for their participation, renewed commitment and valuable contribution to strengthening the CMP. We appreciated both delegations’ participation in this exercise of bilateral exchange and reflection. We are confident that 2018 will be a year of new achievement for the CMP, contributing to the reinvigorated Canada-Mexico bilateral relationship.

Carlos Manuel Sada Solana
Undersecretary for North America
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico

Martin Benjamin
Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas
Global Affairs Canada

PART II: Profile and 2017 Institutional Report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership 

The CMP was launched in 2004 by the governments of former Prime Minister Paul Martin and former President Vicente Fox as a bilateral initiative to promote public-private cooperation between Canada and Mexico. It involves participants from the Canadian and Mexican governments, business sectors and other stakeholders. The CMP is organized around eight Working Groups (agri-business; energy; environment; forestry; human capital; labour mobility; mining; trade, investment and innovation) with the goal  to enhance collaboration in their respective sectors of interest. While each Working Group functions autonomously throughout the year, all CMP members gather together for an annual meeting, which is hosted on an alternating basis by each country. The most recent meeting took place in Mexico City, November 23-24, 2017.

While the CMP involves a wide spectrum of actors from different government departments, the overall coordination and management of the CMP is jointly led by Global Affairs Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE). The national co-chairs of the 2017 CMP were: Global Affairs Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas, Martin Benjamin, and SRE’s Undersecretary for North America, Carlos Sada Solana.

Subject to Ongoing Review

The CMP was designed from the beginning as a flexible entity, subject to ongoing revision and adjustment to best reflect the changing dynamics and priorities of our respective governments and societies. In fact, over the years, Working Groups have evolved: new Working Groups have been formed; co-chairs’ responsibilities have changed; some groups have amalgamated, while others have split off, or even disbanded altogether; meanwhile, other groups have reviewed and modified their mandates and focus. 

Ongoing revitalization and revision of the CMP is consistent with past practices and can further stimulate synergies and innovation, streamline Working Groups, and achieve greater involvement from participants outside of government, including state/provincial authorities, representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations and academia.

Working Groups and activities of the CMP 

Activities of the eight Working Groups of the CMP define the work of the Partnership as a whole. Each working group is co-chaired by a Canadian and Mexican senior government official from the appropriate ministries. Currently the eight Working Groups are:

• Agri-business
• Energy
• Environment
• Forestry
• Human Capital
• Labour Mobility
• Mining
• Trade, Investment and Innovation 

The establishment of a new Working Group on Mining was announced at the 2015 meeting and met for the first time at the 2016 CMP. During this 2017 CMP annual meeting, authorities from the Mexican Ministry of Culture and Canada Heritage met for the first time and agreed the creation of a new Working Group of Culture and Creativity. Its main objective will be to promote cultural cooperation that will contribute to the social and economic development of both countries. This Working Group will formally meet at the 14^th CMP meeting, in Canada, 2018. 

The Canadian Working Group co-chairs come from the following institutions: Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Natural Resources Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Canadian Forest Service (CFS), Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CanCham) and TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. 

Mexican working group co-chairs are from the following institutions and agencies: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Ministry of Energy (SENER), Ministry of Economy (SE) Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), Ministry of Labour and Social Services (STPS), the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR),National Agricultural Council (CNA) and the Council of Mexican on Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). 

Annual meetings of the CMP 

Mexico and Canada alternate hosting duties each year. The annual meetings serve as a focal point for the reorientation of the activities of the Working Groups and at the same time offer the opportunity for national co-chairs of each group to analyze the performance, efficiency and future direction for their Working Groups and the Partnership as a whole. The main objective of the meeting is to adopt and promote a strategic vision and work plan, aligned with the priorities of the bilateral agenda. 

Some Working Groups hold joint meetings in order to share experiences, build partnerships, and identify and develop cross-cutting projects. The CMP also promotes the participation of other stakeholders in the annual meetings, including academic and private sector leaders from both countries and from the Canadian provinces and Mexican states, which in the past has led the participation of representatives from Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Quebec, Jalisco and Morelos. 

Overall, the annual meeting serves as a space to highlight the impact of this Partnership on the bilateral relationship, in which all participants can exchange views, experiences and best practices, and it provides a networking stage for all its members. It is more than the sum of the Working Groups of the Partnership; it is an important mechanism to promote the bilateral relationship.

The CMP has held the following annual meetings:

1. Ottawa, Ontario - October 25, 2004
2. Vancouver, British Columbia - September 30, 2005
3. Ciudad de México, D.F. - March 7, 2007
4. Kanata, Ontario - March 4-5, 2008
5. Jiutepec, Morelos - March 23-24, 2009
6. Niagara on the Lake, Ontario - April 19-20, 2010
7. Ciudad de México, D.F. - April 7-8, 2011
8. Ottawa, Ontario - May 29-30, 2012
9. Ciudad de México, D.F. - July 8-9, 2013
10. Calgary, Alberta - September 8-10, 2014
11. Ciudad de México, D.F. - November 25-26, 2015
12. Ottawa, Ontario - November 23-24, 2016
13. Ciudad de México, CDMX - November 23-24, 2017

Part III: Reports of the Working Group

Forestry Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives

The Working Group is very active and has maintained a commitment of regular communication throughout the year. The consistent cooperation between Canadian and Mexican participants is proving to be an effective tool to promote bilateral cooperation in science and technology, as well as assistance in response to emergencies related to forest fires.

During the 2016-2017, the priority work areas of the Forest Working Group were focused on:

1. Forest carbon accounting.
2. Forest fire management.

In addition, the Forestry Working Group has advanced collaboration in research and development with respect to the use of wood in construction, particularly in medium and high-rise buildings, which has also implications for carbon accounting.

II. Results

1. Wildland Fire Management

Collaboration in fire management has been continuous and highly successful – focusing on two areas: exchange of resources for wildland fire management and the development of a fire danger rating system.

The deployment of human resources to assist with wildland fire fighting, in addition to fulfilling the objective of mutual aid, has contributed to improved human resources capacity, preparedness, management and suppression of wildland fires during escalated fire seasons, and advanced the adoption of standards and the development of professional protocol of human resources.

In 2017, Mexico sent 360 fighters and technicians, in a total of four deployments, to support suppression of wildland fires in the Province of British Columbia.

Mexico’s support was recognized by the Prime Minister of Canada in his most recent state visit to Mexico.

The international exchange of wildland firefighting personnel has also promoted inclusion of gender approach, through gradual participation of women in wildland fire management, logistic support and firefighting activities.

In addition, the annual Operating Plan for 2017 was finalized in March 2017 as part of the MoU, developed jointly by CONAFOR and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) with input from Provinces/Territories in order to further strengthen and implement cooperation relating to wildfire management and pooling necessary resources during times of crisis.

2. Fire Danger Rating System

Representatives from NRCan/CFS completed a fire danger rating system workshop held at the CONAFOR headquarters in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Ten attendees including fire specialists from CONAFOR, and 5 attendees from other organizations such as CONABIO, CONANP, INIFAP and Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, also participated in the workshop.

The three day workshop consisted of information exchange, software installation and instruction on wildland fire in Mexico and tools to support wildland fire management.

NRCan-CFS Research Scientist, Dr. Bill de Groot, presented the components of the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS) that can be utilized by agencies across Mexico. Technicians Alan Cantin and Natasha Jurko instructed on the use of Mexican adapted tools to utilize the Fire Weather Index System, including a geospatial toolbox and database software to manage weather data and map results using open source database software.

Presentations were also made by researchers and government officials from Mexico about their ongoing work in wildland fire research and fire fighting in Mexico, enabling Canadian representatives to understand how the system can address current challenges in fighting wildland fires in Mexico.

Canadian technicians installed software on laptops for each participant during the workshop as well as on primary desktops in the CONAFOR headquarters where the system will be principally used. This software is also expected to assist in the creation and analysis of new fire danger rating system maps for Mexico.

The system is expected to be fully operational as of 2019.

3. Carbon Accounting

This work has international as well as national dimensions.

Internationally, following the signature of the Paris Agreement, the importance of reducing emissions and increasing the rate of CO2 removal from the atmosphere is greater than ever. 

The land-use sector, and in particular forests, can contribute to mitigating climate change by reducing emissions or increasing removals of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and help achieve nationally-determined emission reduction targets.

Nationally, in 2013 Mexico established a Climate Change General Law which for its implementation requires to be supported by a Monitoring, Verification and Reporting system (also established in 2013).

In this context, the important role of the forest sector in contributing to reducing GHG emissions is recognized in both Canada and Mexico: both countries indicated in their submissions of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Mid Century Pathways to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that the land sector will be required to achieve emission reduction targets.

CONAFOR and NRCan-CFS promoted technical exchange and dissemination of forest Carbon modeling results through a variety of activities this past year, which included:

• workshops conducted in March, June, September (including participation from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, USA, Spain and Chile);
• the submission of three publications for peer review;
• several working meetings (Jan-June 2017); and
• a technical report (Carbon flows and stocks in North America’s forest product sector) submitted to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.

Modeling and evaluating scenarios with different mitigation options has allowed a better understanding of the role of the forestry sector in complying with commitments submitted in the NDCs under the Paris Agreement.

In addition to modeling and evaluation of scenarios related to the management of forest ecosystems, the role of wood products as carbon stores and their effect through material substitution and energy requirements has also been analyzed.

Analyses of mitigation options have been conducted for 7 states in Mexico and the results of the two most detailed studies have been submitted for scientific publication. It is expected that information generated through this collaborative work will serve to inform decision makers for development or adoption of effective and efficient policies and actions that contribute to compliance with the NDCs.

Past funding for this work was provided through the Mexico-Norway project and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, and through in-kind support from the NRCan/CFS.  Since April 2017 only the in-kind support continued as the other projects have now ended.

CONAFOR reaffirmed a strong commitment and registered the importance of continuing to advance forest carbon accounting and mitigation strategy work.  Representatives of INECC who participated in the meeting also expressed support that this carbon accounting and analysis be continued.

4. Building with Wood

This year, a 2-pager was developed and disseminated to further promote the concept of Building with Wood. The document highlighted new technologies for the construction industry -wood processing; standards; and, industry transformation to improve competitiveness and the sustainability of forest-dependent communities. 

This information/promotional document was shared with 12 Mexican organizations, including National Housing Commission (CONAVI), National Council of Wood for Construction (COMACO), timber industry chambers, colleges of architects and engineers, academic and research institutions

During the 2017 annual working group meeting in Mexico City, a webinar on “Advances and Experiences in Building with Wood in Canada” was delivered by Dr. Mohammad Mohammad from the Canadian Forest Service Headquarters in Ottawa.

The webinar was broadcasted to 5 States in Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Michoacan and Oaxaca), and included participants from the National Council of Wood in Building (Consejo Nacional de la Madera en la Construcción – COMACO-) as well as a small enterprise (Casa Romano – www.cabanasenelbosque.com) specializing in the construction of wooden cabins).

Working group members were pleased to learn that COMACO announced a call for proposals to build a mid-rise building (max 5 storey) and look forward to learning more about this initiative as it progresses.

III. Future activities

1. Wildland Fire Management

1. Review and update of the Operating Plan for its implementation in 2018.
2. Review, update and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Exchange of Resources for Wildland Fire Management Resources between Canadian and Mexican Participants (July 2018 deadline, tentative).
3. Promotion and training of gender perspective in wildland fire management, logistics and firefighting activities.
4. Development of draft protocol for international wildland fire fighters mobilization / deployment.
5. Launch/implementation of the Forest Fire Danger Rating System in Mexico – (medium term).
6. Analysis of lessons learned in wildland fire fighters deployment for supporting development of manuals, guides, best practices, directives, etc., in Mexico and Canada.
7. Joint assessment of areas impacted by wildfires through remote sensing (satellite imagery) involving Mexican and Canadian scientists (medium term).

2. Carbon Accounting

1. Within the framework of the Sustainable Forest Landscapes Initiative (BioCarbon Fund-World Bank), Mexico will lead in developing a project proposal for financing the required work specific to forest carbon accounting and analysis of mitigation options. NRCan-CFS to provide technical assistance and support in project proposal development as required.
2. Note that a more detailed work plan exists for this planned work but implementation is dependent on financing/resource support.
3. Communicate results of current work through future video conferences to further support the implementation of science-based mitigation activities to reduce GHG emissions.

3. Building with Wood

1. Participation of Dr. Mohammad in the international forestry seminar in Durango (April 2018);
2. Repeat online seminar on construction with wood - aimed at a more specific audience; and
3. Explore possibilities for a study visit to Canada on wood building, aimed at architects, industrial associations, private builders, housing sector officials, etc.

Other areas of potential collaboration:

1. Explore / promote the participation of Canadian companies providing goods and services for the forestry sector at Expo Forestal 2018 - possibly focused on a single topic (e.g. bioenergy)

IV. Challenges and opportunities

It should be recognized that the Forestry Working Group has no fixed budget, and no full-time dedicated staff. Rather, it operates with the existing financial and human resource support (including volunteers) provided by the governments and organizations of its member countries. In this context, measures of success should consider the context of leveraging existing resources and ability to collaborate in areas of mutual interest.

Human Capital Working Group

Introduction and Objectives

Within the framework of the 13^th meeting of the Canada-Mexico Partnership (CMP), the Human Capital Working Group (HCWG) met on November 23, 2017 in Mexico City.

The Co-Chairs followed up on the Final Report from 2016 and defined the following central objectives:

• Compliance with and follow-up of the Action Plan 2017-2018.
• Strengthen two-way academic mobility mechanisms for linguistic capacities and joint research.
• Promote, develop and facilitate partnerships for new strategic alliances, with special attention to indigenous populations and gender equality.

The Co-Chairs highlighted the positive impact of eliminating visa requirements for Mexican students and researchers by Canada, effective as of January 1, 2017. This substantially increased the number of academic exchanges to the benefit of both countries.

The Co-Chairs noted the outcomes of the Prime Minister of Canada’s visit to Mexico on October 12 and 13, 2017.

The HCWG highlighted the joint commitment of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Enrique Peña Nieto on issues of regional competitiveness, student mobility and research. These projects are to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Mitacs, the University of Toronto (UofT), Universities Canada and the International Development Research Center (IDRC). The HCWG will follow up on the progress and execution of these projects. 

Follow-up to the Action Plan 2017-2018 

The 2017-2018 Action Plan represents a roadmap for the HCWG that frames the group’s actions, results and objectives in terms of education and specialization of human capital between Canada and Mexico. 

The HCWG noted the increase in actions, projects and programs that have been carried out by Mexico and Canada in the past two years to train high-skilled workers, strengthen linguistic capacities and increase the mobility of academics, teachers and scientists from both sides. 

The Co-Chairs recognized that since the last HCWG meeting in Ottawa in 2016, the bonds of friendship between Mexico and Canada have been strengthened. Mexico remains a priority country outlined in Canada’s International Education Strategy. 

Academic and Research Mobility 

The HCWG reiterated the importance of giving greater impetus to the promotion of scholarship programs. Mexico highlighted the Excellence Scholarship Program funded by the Government of Mexico to attract Canadian students and researchers to pursue higher education in Mexico in 2018. 

The Co-Chairs affirmed that Proyecta 10,000 remains a priority initiative that has encouraged more Mexican students, professors and researchers to have a higher education experience in Canada. The program is recognized as an emblematic mobility mechanism that strengthens the educational and cultural exchanges between both countries. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral collaboration in reaching the goal of 10,000 Mexicans in Canada by 2018. 

With the aim of promoting mutual academic mobility, the SEP drew attention to negotiations to finalize the following bilateral agreements with Canadian provinces: 

• Specific Agreement with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of the province of Québec for the establishment of the Program of Language Assistants Mexico-Quebec;
• Letter of Intent with the province of Ontario for the establishment of a Program for the Teaching of the Spanish Language; and
• Letter of Intent with British Columbia on Exchange and Promotion of Cooperation in Educational Matters. 

In addition, the HCWG noted the collaboration between the SEP, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Mitacs to implement Phase II of the research stays at public universities in Mexico. Thus, in addition to Phase I, which is still being implemented, the program seeks Mexican students to conduct research stays at Canadian higher education institutions. 

CONACYT highlighted the recent growth of the postgraduate programs in English taken by the Mexican scholarship recipients from Canada, in particular the Mixed Scholarship Program and the Quality Postgraduate Programs. CONACYT will continue to prioritize gender equality for graduate students in Mexico and for CONACYT scholarship recipients abroad. 

The HCWG recognized the importance of the Agreement between CONACYT and the University of Toronto (UofT) that will allow 150 Mexican scholars to pursue their studies at the doctoral-level at UofT. 

The HCWG highlighted the collaboration between CONACYT and the IDRC to provide economic support to 20 Indigenous Mexican women to carry out postdoctoral studies in Mexico focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

The Co-Chairs agreed to reinforce information and other opportunities for mobility, specialized training and short technical stays in both countries through the websites of the participating institutions and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries. 

The HCWG considered relevant the continuity of joint scientific research with the province of Québec, whose projects reinforce cooperation on issues related to biotechnology, new materials, nanotechnology, bioengineering, and the environment, and in which highly qualified scientists from both countries participate. 

Language Education and Capacity Building 

To achieve strategic objectives for greater regional competitiveness in North America, the HCWG considered it a priority to promote language training and linguistic formation in English, French and Spanish. The HCWG underlined the importance of promoting English and French opportunities in Mexican institutions as well as Spanish opportunities in Canadian intuitions. The group drew special attention to programs for Indigenous Mexican women in addition to strengthening capacity building programs for English, French and Spanish teachers. 

The HCWG agreed to support partnership opportunities between Languages ​​Canada and various Mexican universities in Guanajuato, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Veracruz and Yucatan, among other. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Polytechnic University (IPN) will seek to strengthen their Spanish language training programs with their Canadian partner institutions. In particular, UNAM will give greater scope and information of the International Service of Evaluation of the Spanish Language (SIELE), an initiative that contributes to the advancement of the study, promotion and dissemination of Spanish in Canada through a unique digital certificate that accredits the language through an online multi-level exam. 

On the linguistic formation of Indigenous students and professors, the HCWG highlighted the opportunity to implement the agreements between the University of Lethbridge, Lakehead University, and CONACYT, which allow postgraduate courses in Mexico to enhance the skills in the English language.  

Increasing Alliances between Governments, Institutions and Other Partners 

The HCWG considered the mission of presidents of Universities Canada to Mexico in May 2018 to be highly relevant. The delegation’s primary objectives will be to increase collaboration on student mobility, indigenous higher education, capacity development and scientific research between both countries. The HCWG will support this mission and enhance the success of is objectives. 

In the 13^th session, the HCWG was pleased to welcome representatives from the Chamber of Commerce Mexico-Canada (CANCHAM) and the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA) for the first time. 

CANCHAM explained their objectives to promote initiatives linking youth to their affiliated companies and will advance partnerships with Canadian higher education institutions. To increase opportunities for collaboration, CANCHAM plans to develop a website (one-stop shop) tailored to disseminate more relevant information about academic opportunities, scholarships and educational events in Canada. 

AMIA gave details on their objectives to strengthen dialogue between the two countries on expanding cooperation in the automotive sector, particularly in the area of ​​bilingual training of specialized human capital. AMIA aims to increase networks and linkages between public, industrial and academic sectors between Canada and Mexico. The HCWG underlined the potential to strengthen technical capabilities, exchanges and knowledge regarding the automotive industry. 

The Co-Chairs agreed to strengthen synergies and mutual links with the private sector, particularly to achieve alliances with strategic sectoral approaches and joint scientific research for the benefit of the productive sector in each country. 

The HCWG discussed leveraging regional platforms and other mechanisms dedicated to strengthening mobility, education and research. The committee called to attention the Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAIE), which represents the broadest inter-American forum for debate and dialogue on higher education in the Americas. The most recent edition in Montreal in October 2017 gathered 640 delegates from 29 countries with Canada and Mexico representing 67% of them. The HCWG also pointed to the initiative of the North American Center for Collaborative Development (NACCD) that seeks to focus on research, the generation of knowledge and collaboration in priority areas for the region. 

Joint Session with the Energy Working Group 

As in previous years, the HCWG held a joint meeting with the Energy Working Group (EWG), in which it highlighted the progress of the specialized human resources training program in the context of Mexican energy reform in the oil, gas and electricity sectors.

The HCWG welcomed the projects approved as a result of the call of the Secretary of Energy (SENER) and CONACYT, which, together with the Universities of Alberta and Calgary, will allow the building of a network of innovative experts to transform the Mexican energy sector over the next five years. 

The Co-Chairs highlighted the commitment between UNAM and the University of Alberta to train high quality professionals for the energy sector through the creation of a Summer School of Gas and Oil, as well as the delivery of the Master's Degree in Integrated Petroleum Geosciences, with teachers and specialists from both nations and alternate venues in Mexico City and Edmonton, Canada. 

The Co-Chairs from both working groups agreed to continue with the specialized talent training priorities and to follow up on the projects resulting from the SENER-CONACYT call, and report on the progress made during a joint session at the next meeting of the Mexico Canada Partnership of 2018. 

Strengthening Partnerships 

The HCWG agreed to carry out joint efforts for the 2018 session, aimed at strengthening the synergies and collaborations between the Canadian provinces and the Mexican states that will allow for solid partnerships between academia and industry in favour of specialized human capital and scientific research. 

The Co-Chairs indicated that the HCWG will increase participation of Mexican state and local authorities and institutions, and their counterparts from the Canadian Provinces in favour of decentralized cooperation. 

Canada drew attention to the opportunities in Mexico for youth mobility and learning through the International Experience Canada Program (IEC), which seeks to create spaces for young Canadian talent to work and travel abroad. Mexico indicated that it would continue analysis in accordance with national regulations for this Canadian program currently implemented in more than thirty countries. 

The Co-Chairs emphasized the importance of international experience, especially for youth, as it develops intercultural adaptability, leadership skills, foreign language proficiency and interpersonal relationships. 

The HCWG agreed to contribute to promoting a greater number of mobility exchanges at the graduate level among related institutions such as UNAM, IPN, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, the University of Québec and CALDO, among others. Further, UNAM, IPN and state universities such as those of Yucatan, Veracruz, Jalisco, Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, and Campeche agreed to increase their contacts with Canadian universities, such as the Universities of British Columbia, Calgary, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. 

The HCWG considered the strengthening of the partnerships with Mitacs, SEP, CONACYT, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) and the State of Guanajuato a priority, in order to deepen joint scientific research and to eventually replicate these successful models of association with new Mexican institutions. The HCWG also welcomed the cooperation between Mitacs and CONACYT for the training of young Mexican scientists in the framework of their program. 

The HCWG recognized that the CMP represents the ideal forum to strengthen the bilateral relationship in terms of human capital in education, joint research and innovation.

Trade, Investment and Innovation Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives

The agenda for this year’s Trade, Investment and Innovation Working Group (TIIWG) meeting was designed to develop a working plan that ensure joint activities to promote a stronger and deeper bilateral commercial and economic relation between Mexico and Canada. 

For this reason, the co-chairs of both countries committed themselves to explore further and consult with their relevant agencies/stakeholders, to determine the feasibility and/or the adjustment to be made to the list of possible initiatives contained in annex A. 

In this way, the Group can strengthen their joint actions, to provide more opportunities for its most important stakeholders (i.e. Canadian and Mexican private sectors). 

During the session, the co-chairs of both countries and the entire TIIWG reaffirmed their commitment to follow and reinforce their three priorities:

• Improve trade, investment and innovation
• Strengthen dialogue between the two governments
• Establish mechanisms so that private sectors can make recommendations to governments 

Moreover, on the first day, the Culture and Creativity delegation participated in the session. The objective of the joint meeting was to identify potential areas of opportunity where synergies exist to work together, when relevant, to advance innovation and the development of the creative industries of Mexico and Canada. 

II. Results 

Members shared the view that our two countries have made important progress, and at the moment face challenges from a political environment that offers an opportunity to refocus the goals of the WG to develop new opportunities. 

Members recognized that the State visit by Prime Minister Trudeau in October was an important trigger to increase and highlighted the importance of trade relations between Mexico and Canada. 

There was consensus that the objective of the TIIWG is to strengthen the dialogue between our governments, and to support the growing needs and activities of Canadian and Mexican companies doing business in each other’s markets. 

In discussing some of the past projects results of the TIIWG, the conversation naturally and quickly focussed on recognizing the strong commercial relationship between the two countries. Both sides acknowledged countless activities and interactions between our public and private organizations, at all levels, throughout the year. 

Regarding the joint session between the TIIWG and the Culture and Creativity delegation, we had an initial brainstorming session on possible new ideas that will require further discussion to determine what we could do together. Several opportunities for collaboration were presented by the Ministry of Culture, ProMexico and INADEM (see presentations). We thanked the Culture and Creativity delegation for their participation and look forward to work together on possible initiatives. 

COMCE confirms its interest to participate as a member in the CMP, particularly in the TII.  COMCE is devoted to global trade, investment and technology; therefore, it will continue to work together with Canadian counterparts to develop a business relationship, productive to both countries.  In particular, during this TII meeting, COMCE made the commitment to work together with the Business Council of Canada, to find out areas where both associations can develop joint projects. 

COMCE will coordinate with the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to organize between two and four trade missions to take place in both countries, in particular within business sectors, such as energy, finance, health, mining and creative industries.  As an immediate action, COMCE and the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce will hold a conference call prior to the end of the year to put together a joint proposal and roadmap and present it to the CMP TII co-chairs, no later than the end of January 2018. 

COMCE will keep working together with the Ministry of Economy, ProMexico, INADEM, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Embassy to enhance and strengthen the Canada-Mexico relationship. 

III. Future Activities

• Both parties of the TIIWG agreed to not have a steering committee at the moment, but to designate points of contact/leads. However, when the group have a greater number of projects and merit parties will reconsider Mexico’s proposal on having a steering committee.
• Potential projects identified should be linked to strategic priorities and lead to a work plan that is defined shortly after, based on consultations with the respective private sectors.
• Both sides agreed to hold a meeting or a call before January 31^st to discuss the initiatives contained in Annex A in further detail and potential points of contact/leads to each initiative.
• In addition to that, both parties will explore the possibility of having an intersessional group meeting during the months of May or June 2018. Other calls/meetings may be organized as needed.
• The TIIWG Co-Chairs agreed to schedule calls to follow up with industry representatives and to identify new areas of collaboration. 

IV. Challenges and Opportunities 

Challenges previously identified:

• Lack of a structured agenda with timeline, responsible leads, deadlines, commitments, evaluation, and monitoring of projects.
• Lack of communication between all agencies on projects that each promote which causes them to act independently.
• Low participation of the private sector. 

Members identified some actions that the TIIWG could explore further to increase the private sector involvement:

• It requires a clearer picture of where we are going and what resources are counted. The key component is the role the private sector will play.
• Further coordination among stakeholders and other groups of the CMP is needed to know the portfolio of projects planned and to have a strengthened agenda, with a joint work plan that generates even more results for stakeholders and that clearly defines the commitments, those responsible, and that is timely and delivers on a high-level mandate.
• The WG should seek a closer relationship with the private sector and identify its needs, interests, and expectations of government in order to form a real work plan with clear and specific deliverables.
• Steps must be clearly defined to reduce uncertainty for the private sector in Mexico and Canada.
• A more active role for the private sector co-chairs should be defined to ensure they become more proactive interlocutors.

Energy Working Group

 I. Introduction and objectives

The Energy Working Group (EWG)’s main objective is to foster dialogue and follow up on subjects of mutual interest and actions on energy cooperation, at a bilateral and regional level. 

II. Results

1. Indigenous consultations for the development of energy projects

Mexico shared the collaborative work that took place over the last year, including the second technical workshop in March 2017 on Consultation of Communities and Indigenous Peoples for Energy Sector Projects to exchange opinions and best practices among government actors, private sector, indigenous communities, and specialists from social, academic and international organizations. Additionally, Mexico’s Ministry of Energy (SENER) is currently exploring the development of an evaluation process with Canadian experts to carry out consultations on electrical projects in Yucatán.

Canadian companies shared their perspectives on the consultation processes they have been involved in and asked Mexico some questions regarding experiences on indigenous engagement in the development of energy projects and the implementation of international instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).The Government of Alberta and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico each held seminars on Indigenous issues in September 2017, and expressed an interest in remaining involved on this file as other activities take place. 

2. Regulatory cooperation

Regulatory cooperation was highlighted as a core activity in our partnership, and Mexican regulatory institutions shared their interests and activities to date with their Canadian counterparts.

Since 2014, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has collaborated closely with regulatory institutions in the Mexican energy sector on:

1. Best practices for the development of unconventional hydrocarbons;
2. Technical and high-level workshops with SENER, the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), the  National Gas Control Center (CENAGAS) and the National Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment (ASEA); and,
3. Training of human resources specialized in hydrocarbon regulation through the launch of an International Center of Regulatory Excellence (ICORE), in February 2017.

In 2017, the National Energy Board (NEB) entered into agreements with Mexico’s CRE and ASEA. These cooperative agreements support the sharing of information and expertise to enhance collaboration and regulatory outcomes.

3. Environment and reduction of emissions (Joint Session with the Environmental WG)

NRCan’s CanmetENERGY Devon lab, and Mexico’s National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INEEC), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), and Mexican Petroleum (PEMEX) shared recent developments in the collaboration between Canada and Mexico to reduce Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, focused on:

1. Reducing flaring, venting and fugitive emissions of oil and gas activities;
2. Supporting tech development;
3. Supporting the mobilization of financing for emissions mitigation; and,
4. Supporting and piloting innovative and robust sectorial monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions.

In October 2017, a workshop, which included the participation of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), included the presentation of the program to key environmental and energy stakeholders from Mexico and Canada.

CanmetENERGY gave an overview of the work pursued under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA). The importance of environmental and scientific cooperation was highlighted as well as the need to present a business case to the private sector to encourage investment.

During the 3^rd ECPA Ministerial, Canada’s proposal to expand the scope of the Cleaner Oil and Gas Working Group (previously the Heavy Oil Working Group) was accepted.

4. Energy Reform and investment from Canadian companies

Mexico offered a brief overview of the new institutional and regulatory framework after Mexico’s Energy Reform and of the opportunities for investment and collaboration for Canadian companies in electricity, clean energy, and hydrocarbons.

Companies commended the rapid advancements following the Mexican Energy Reforms and the open door policy applied to hearing private sector concerns. The Canadian Electricity Association and ATCO suggested further engagement with local and indigenous communities in Mexico to encourage the successful development of energy projects including additional participation of the Canadian power sector.

Stakeholders discussed ways to increase Canadian companies’ participation in Mexico and how government agencies can best support their needs in the development of energy projects in Mexico.

5. Innovation and capacity building in the energy sector (Joint Session with the Human Capital WG)

Mexico presented the most recent developments in human capital and capacity building in the context of Mexico’s Energy Reform which have opened the door to the participation of national and international companies, and have expanded opportunities for technical and scientific collaboration in the sector. This new paradigm highlights the need for specialized human resources to fulfill labor and research opportunities.

SENER continues to have strong and fruitful relationships with the Universities of Calgary and Alberta to award scholarships for Mexican students. SENER is also working with educational institutions in Mexico - including the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the National Polytechnic University (IPN), and the Mexican Institute of Petroleum (IMP), among others -  to develop research programs focused on the refining of heavy oil, reduction of losses in gas pipelines, unconventional oil recovery, talent development, and other areas of focus.

Both countries shared their advancements on technological innovation cooperation in the development of biofuels (bio-jet) and next generation clean energy materials. Additionally, Mexico has promoted short-term, in-person research opportunities with the University of Regina for training and capacity building on Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS).

TransCanada highlighted the partnership they have forged with IENOVA (Sempra), IMP and CENAGAS for training on operation and maintenance of pipelines which already has allocated resources from Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT).

6. Provincial Cooperation

The Ministry of Energy of Alberta shared progress under the MoU signed with SENER for cooperation in:

1. Regulatory cooperation;
2. Academic-research cooperation;
3. Investment promotion; and,
4. Government to government cooperation.

The Co-Chairs highlighted the agreement between Mexico and Quebec at the first meeting of the Mexico-Quebec Joint Cooperation Committee. Quebec and Mexico will seek greater integration of their renewable energy generation sector, particularly through greater collaboration between CFE and Hydro-Québec, as well as through the exchange of lessons learned, best practices, and technology transfer in the fields of electricity transportation, wind energy research, and energy efficiency in buildings and hotels.

Mexico highlighted that the financial institution Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is participating in the development of solar and wind projects derived from electricity auctions in Mexico with the Italian company ENEL GreenPower.

Ontario presented its recently released Long Term Power Plan, which included an extensive section on indigenous and remote community engagement, as well as women and youth. Ontario highlighted their successes in phasing out coal powered electricity generation in favor of renewable and natural gas sources, as well as successes in maintaining low cost electricity delivery.

7. Women in Energy

Mexico’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Women´s Network (REDMEREE) shared their work in promoting women’s participation and empowerment in the energy sector.

Some initiatives in Mexico were highlighted such as Voces Expertas, an effort to consolidate a list of expert women in different fields including energy. The work being done by the CRE in prioritizing gender equality initiatives was also commended.

Canada presented their recently implemented programs to support women in energy. Canada co-leads the Women in Clean Energy Initiative (C3E) of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) with Sweden and Italy, which focuses on four work streams: data collection, dialogue, mentorship, and recognition.

Disaggregated data collection was emphasized as an essential element to measure progress on gender equality and create suitable policy on the matter. NRCan is carrying out a research project with a gender focus and is also working with Electric Human Resources Canada (EHRC) on the promotion of a principles-based Leadership Accord, a public commitment by employers, educators, unions, and governments to promote the values of diversity and inclusion within their organizations.

III. Future activities

1. Indigenous consultations for the development of energy projects

A third forum has been proposed for 2018 that could focus on:

1. Specific stages of the consultation processes and procedures including early engagement and information sharing on proposed projects, processes and procedures for government-led consultation once a project proposal and scope is in place, clean and consistent guidance for industry, development of consultation protocols, and cultural awareness training;
2. Collaboration on conflict resolution mechanisms to create consensus and compromise; and,
3. Creating opportunities for indigenous communities from Canada and Mexico to share their experiences and lessons learned to enhance participation.

Both parties will explore the possibility of carrying out a visit from representatives of Mexican indigenous communities to Canada to share lessons learned in negotiation capabilities and strengthen of intra-community ties.

2. Regulatory cooperation

ICORE’s vision is to eventually become a global regulatory hub as other countries begin to express interest in participating, such as Chile and India. In the future, Mexico’s Center would become the Latin American hub. Regulatory training and information exchange will also take place with the AER through ICORE.

Mexico’s CRE and Canada’s NEB will cooperate on the following areas, as set out in the memorandum of understanding:

1. liability regimes and the management and evaluation of regulatory performance;
2. transparency through information management; and,
3. approaches to lifecycle oversight of energy infrastructure projects.

Under the NEB’s agreement with ASEA, the parties will collaborate on the culture of regulatory bodies, building of safety culture, management systems and performance measurement, and regulatory independence. The parties have also collaborated outside of the agreement; putting forward a joint proposal to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to undertake research on safety culture at a broader international level. The OECD’s work is now underway.

3. Environment and reduction of emissions (Joint Session with the Environmental WG)

The Working Groups agreed to maintain close communication as energy transition efforts and environmental objectives are strongly linked. They also agreed to share information on Mexico-Canada collaboration activities in other international forums.

Implementing agencies from the Mexican environmental and energy sectors will visit Canada next year to learn from the programs currently being implemented, and to share experiences and opportunities for further collaboration.

Canada proposed holding the next meeting of the ECPA Cleaner Oil and Gas Working Group in Mexico in 2018, prior to the 4th ECPA Ministerial in Jamaica in 2019. The meeting would focus on encouraging Latin American countries to take action to reduce methane and black carbon emissions from the oil and gas sector.

There was strong interest in broadening environmental collaboration trilaterally, which will be explored with our counterparts in the United States.

ECCC extended an invitation to Mexican stakeholders to attend the Global Methane Forum that will take place in Toronto, in April 2018.

NRCan will work with Mexico to create Spanish-language overview videos for RETScreen Expert and deliver a RETScreen Expert ‘Train-the-Trainer’ workshop planned for Feb/March 2018. NRCan will also translate the RETScreen Expert User Manual into Spanish by early 2019.

4. Energy Reform and investment from Canadian companies

SENER and NRCan will continue to engage with the private sector from both Canada and Mexico to encourage the successful development of energy projects and investment in both countries.

Both countries will seize upcoming opportunities for investment promotion in international fora such as the Global Petroleum Show (June 2018 in Calgary) and the Congreso Mexicano del Petróleo (September 2018 in Acapulco), as well as other opportunities that may arise.

5. Innovation and capacity building in the energy sector (Joint Session with the Human Capital WG)

Mexico will continue fostering human capital research and innovation projects with Canada. These will be reflected in a strategic plan to be developed in early 2018.

Building on the mission to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal in May 2017 and organized by the Canadian Embassy in Mexico, Mexico and Canada are also exploring opportunities to collaborate in the electricity sector to develop institutional capabilities and create strategic partnerships between their universities and institutions. In particular, Mexico’s National Center for Energy Control (CENACE) proposed to cooperate in areas such as: human resources development, expert exchange, and organization of workshops focused on topics of mutual interest.

NRCan will continue its R+D collaboration with Mexico in the areas of biogas and clean energy materials under Mission Innovation. There was also interest in exploring further CCUS collaboration involving industry, academia and government sectors to strengthen the human capital capabilities between Canada and Mexico.

6. Provincial Cooperation

Ontario was invited to participate in the next workshop on indigenous consultations in 2018.

Both parties will explore opportunities for Mexican stakeholders to visit different federal and provincial jurisdictions to learn about different approaches to phasing-out coal powered electricity generation.

NRCan will continue to engage all provinces and territories as it goes forward to implement the 2018 CMP work plan. 

7. Women in Energy

Canada encouraged Mexico to re-join the C3E initiative and offered its guidance for the required process. Mexico stated its interest in reintegrating to the initiative.

SENER and NRCan agreed to collaborate on improving gender-specific data collection for which they will share their current methodologies and existing data. They also agreed to work together on mentoring and recognition in the energy sector.

IV. Challenges and Opportunities

Both parties identified the need to foster and increase the participation and involvement of private sector representatives from both Mexico and Canada for the next EWG meeting.

The participants intend to further promote the participation of Canadian stakeholders in academic exchange programs on energy with Mexico.

Mexico and Canada will encourage regional leadership on clean energy and environmental matters, and will continue to foster the inclusive participation of women in the energy sector.

The EWG highlighted the continued importance of engaging with other CMP working groups and promoting a more active dialogue throughout the year to identify potential areas of joint interest.

Environment Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives  

As part of the 13th Canada-Mexico Partnership, the Environmental Working Group met and discussed the following items: 

II. Results 

1. National approaches to addressing climate change, following the outcomes of COP23

SEMARNAT, National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC) and ECCC, in addition to the provinces of Alberta and Quebec officials, participated in the policy dialogue on climate change. Canada presented the ’Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change’, while Mexico highlighted its nationally-determined contributions and national actions such as the ’National Strategy for Climate Change’, the ’Climate Change Special Program 2014-2018’ and the ’National Climate Fund’.

2. Reduction of emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and greenhouse gas (GHG) in Mexico’s Oil and Gas Sector

This discussion was organized jointly with the Energy Working Group and included the participation of SEMARNAT, SENER, CNH, CENACE, PEMEX, ECCC, INECC, NRCAN and Canadian company ATCO. Deliverables included a visit of Mexican oil & gas and environmental entities to Canada and the possibility for Mexico to work jointly with Canada in planning the next ECPA-Clean Oil and Gas Working Group meeting.

3. Roundtable on Environmental Responsibility in Mining

This discussion was organized jointly with the Mining Working Group and included the participation of SEMARNAT, SE, Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), SGM, ECCC, NRCan and representatives from the private sector. Canadian counterparts underscored various methodologies developed for tailings management and standards for sustainable mining practices. SEMARNAT summarized previous work on mining tailing ponds. SE and the SGM stressed the management of toxic waste following mine closures as one of the priorities that the joint group should discuss further.

4. Environment regulation of the extractive sector

SEMARNAT and PROFEPA provided an overview of work that both countries have pursued on mining tailing ponds and how it had directly impacted the review and improvement of Mexican national regulations.

5. Biodiversity/ Protected Areas

National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), and National Commission on Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), SEMARNAT, ECCC and Parks Canada highlighted the success of COP13 hosted by Mexico in 2016. PROFEPA provided a status update on the DNA Barcode project, including the listing of plant and animal species, which would prevent illegal trafficking and ease the monitoring of the legal trade to avoid alien invasive species.

Deliverables include an upcoming MoU between CONANP and Parks Canada, considerations on a legal agreement between CONABIO and ECCC, and bilateral meetings on the margins of the CBD event in Montreal in December 2017.

6. Canada and Mexico Triangular Cooperation for the Mesoamerican Region and Cuba

SEMARNAT provided an overview of ongoing activities and priorities with Mesoamerican countries and proposed new target countries for future collaboration, such as Cuba.

7. Carbon Pricing

SEMARNAT, ECCC and the provinces of Alberta and Ontario participated in a discussion highlighting national and provincial approaches to carbon pricing, in addition to regional collaboration through the upcoming “Declaration on Carbon Pricing in the Americas” “ECCC presented the federal approach to carbon pricing, which offers flexibility to the provinces to choose the type of carbon pricing system that makes sense for their circumstances – either a price-based system or cap and trade.  The province of Alberta provided an overview of its “Climate Leadership Policies”, which includes carbon pricing, electricity transition, phasing-out coal, a cap on oil sands production, methane emissions reduction and energy efficiency. SEMARNAT presented Mexico’s pathway to a ‘National Emissions Trading System’, with a goal of linking North American carbon markets in the long-term.

III. Future Activities 

1. National approaches to addressing climate change, following the outcomes of COP23

Future areas of collaboration could be financing green growth and clean technology. A focus on technology demonstration was also mentioned.

2. Reduction of emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and greenhouse gas (GHG) in Mexico’s oil and gas sector

INECC presented the joint Canada-Mexico program to address emissions reduction in Mexico’s oil and gas sector, through a $7 million contribution from ECCC and multilateral collaboration through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). PEMEX presented various mechanisms for multilateral collaboration in the oil and gas sector.

3. Roundtable on Environmental Responsibility in Mining

During the joint session with the Mining Working Group, representatives from the private sector mentioned voluntary actions that are being implemented by companies which could be shared with governmental officials as an example of good practices.

4. Environment regulation of the extractive sector

Considerations were made on the planning of a workshop that would support the development of new regulations related to tailings storage facilities. 

5. Biodiversity/ Protected Areas

Discussions led to the identification of four priorities of mutual interest for both countries: biodiversity mainstreaming; sustainable use, strategic plan post 2020; and the CITIES Action Plans under the CEC and DNA Barcoding use. Specific working groups could be established based on these priorities and focal points to follow-up.

6. Canada and Mexico Triangular Cooperation for the Mesoamerican Region and Cuba

As part of this regional cooperation, ECCC will provide knowledge exchange in an upcoming Mexican-led event on MRV transparency. ECCC and SEMARNAT agreed to discuss in the near future possible activities in support of triangular cooperation for the Mesoamerican Region and Cuba. 

IV. Challenges and Opportunities

Natural Resources Canada (Energy Sector) highlighted a $2M fund to support additional bilateral collaboration and mentioned opportunities for cooperation under the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) - Clean Oil and Gas Initiative.

Regarding biodiversity and protected areas cooperation, potential collaboration could include technical assistance on identifying wood samples and invasive alien species of mutual concern, notably through the use of mobile kits.

Carbon pricing has been identified by all CMP-EWG participants as a major collaborative theme for the next meeting. Potential areas of collaboration include exchanges on Canada´s approach to provincial mechanisms for carbon pricing under the ‘Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change’, and knowledge-exchange on regulations, with a specific focus on hybrid systems and carbon market linkages.

Mining Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives  

The second meeting of the Mining Working Group was co-chaired by Mr. Israel Gutiérrez, Director General, Fideicomiso de Fomento Minero (FIFOMI), Secretariat of Economy and Megan Nichols, Director General, Policy and Economics Branch, Lands and Minerals Sector, Natural Resources Canada.

Participation included representatives of the federal government of Mexico (Secretariats of Economy; Environment and Natural Resources; Finance; and Urban, Territorial and Agrarian Development); the federal government of Canada (Natural Resources Canada; Canada Revenue Agency; Global Affairs Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada), provincial governments of Canada (Alberta Trade Office in Mexico; Ontario Trade Office in Mexico), industry and private sector (Primero Mining, Goldcorp, Mining Association of Canada, Deloitte Canada), and civil society (Women in Mining Zacatecas).

The Mining Working Group focused this year’s meeting on opportunities to deepen understanding, explore areas of mutual interest, and consider how to advance priority issues of interest across the stakeholder groups present. 

II. Results 

Through technical sessions and round table discussions participants exchanged experiences and information on women in mining; mining tax policy contributions to support industry competitiveness; the use of Mexico’s Mining Tax Fund and community infrastructure development; and industry case studies, successes and challenges in adopting clean energy technologies in mining (e.g. energy efficiency, electric underground vehicles, hydropower generation, reducing reliance on diesel fuel, private/public funding partnerships for innovation, research and development of clean technologies). 

Cross-sectoral learning and knowledge sharing took place through a joint session with the Environment Working Group on topics related to environmentally responsible mining (e.g. mine closure and reclamation, mine waste management, orphaned and abandoned mines, standards and norms of industry performance, and tailings management). There was also a technical session with the Secretariat of Urban, Territorial and Agrarian Development to better understand the legislative and practical aspects of land access negotiation and under the mandate of SEDATU and the Secretariat of Energy (SENER) for hydrocarbon and electricity development projects. 

III. Future Activities 

The Mining Working Group has agreed to pursue the following work agenda for 2017-2018:

1. Continue the development of case studies of environmental innovation in mining and the use of clean energy technologies in mining, initiated in the Mining Working Group meeting in 2016, with the aim of sharing finalized case studies at PDAC (Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada) 2018. These will be also shared with the Environment Working Group. 
2. Explore ways to promote increased mineral trade between Canada and Mexico.
3. Increase the presence of the Canadian and Mexican mining industry at the Mining Working Group.
4. Exchange data and analysis on the competitiveness of Canada and Mexico’s respective mining and exploration tax regimes.
5. Agree to gather and share data and analysis on the competitiveness factors, including taxation, of other international mining jurisdictions with a view to increasing regional competitiveness.
6. Hold a technical exchange or dialogue between Canadian and Mexican mining and tax authorities and stakeholders to better understand the similarities and differences of our mining taxation systems and how they contribute to competitiveness.
7. Exchange standards and norms related to industry environmental performance and
   compliance (e.g. mine closure; orphaned and abandoned mines; Towards Sustainable Mining), together with the Environment Working Group.
8. Exchange information on standards for skill requirements and health and safety standards in mining.
9. Share research, analysis and information about women’s participation in mining.
10. Develop an information session (panel, seminar, workshop, etc.) for PDAC 2018, to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges for women in mining in Canada and Mexico.
11. Explore opportunities for increased bilateral labour mobility (e.g. temporary labor migration) and bilateral cooperation on education and skills development in the mining sector (e.g. possible mining education trade mission). 

IV. Challenges and opportunities 

A highlight of the discussions was the Women in Mining session, during which Canada and Mexico affirmed their commitments to gender equality and inclusivity in mining.

Participants discussed the current presence of women in Canada and Mexico’s mining labour forces, considered the challenges of attracting and retaining women in mining, and explored government policy and industry initiatives aimed at improving participation, education, training and professional development, and how best to communicate opportunities for women in mining. 

Participants suggested areas where more work needs to be done (e.g. promotion of opportunities in technical areas of mining) and opportunities for collaboration and exchange of information and studies (e.g. the work of the Mining Industry Human Resources Council and Women in Mining Zacatecas).

Labour Mobility Working Group

I. Introduction and Objectives 

The Labour Mobility Working Group (LMWG) includes both Government and stakeholder participation, and serves to strengthen people-to-people connections and facilitate mobility through the exchange of labour market and program information. The CMP contributes to the fostering of relationships between qualified workers and employers, supporting continental  migratory flows.   

Within the framework of CMP sessions, held on November 23 and 24, 2017, in Mexico City and virtually with Canadian participants in Ottawa on November 16; Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided broad overviews of existing measures to support the movement of highly-skilled labour into Canada, with a focus on the health care sector.  This included presentations on the Global Skills Strategy, the National Occupational Classification (NOC), the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) and medium-term employment outlooks. 

The Health sector was identified earlier in the year as a subject for parties to discuss in 2017’s work plan in order to increase labour mobility within some key occupations and regions in Canada (Health sector and Top Talents; as well as including credential recognition and regional employment outlooks.  In this case, both parties discussed means to facilitate movement into and out of their economies. 

The objectives of the Labour Mobility Working Group for 2017 were:

1. To exchange labour market information to further facilitate bilateral labour mobility between Canada and Mexico;
2. To foster synergies between different working groups of CMP, and
3. To tap into high-value opportunities where specific sectors and occupations would benefit from focused collaboration, such as in facilitating the mobility of high-skilled workers within the Health sector.

II. Results 

At the LMWG session of the CMP annual meeting in November 2017, which was done via videoconferencing, Canada began by presenting its Global Skills Strategy (GSS), which had recently been implemented. The GSS provides several facilitations for highly-skilled labour including by creating a dedicated service channel for innovative companies and those making significant investments, reduces processing time for work permits for high-skilled workers, and creates a Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which further streamlines the Labour Market Impact Assessment for certain workers.  

The first presentation, held by Diane Bombardier, Senior Policy Analyst, ESDC; provided information on the labor market, particularly the occupations shown within the Health sector in Canada stated: 

1. That there are good employment opportunities for those seeking work in highly qualified occupations (i.e., a university degree and above), especially in the health, finance, IT and engineering sectors.
2. That there are few or limited employment opportunities for people seeking work in low-skilled occupations. 

The second presentation was held by Jonathan Wells, Director of Apprenticeships and Regulated Occupations, ESDC, who provided a brief description of the scheme of recognition of foreign credentials in Canada, as well as information on the project of two Canadian organizations that provide services related to the topic in occupations of the Health Sector.

1. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) developed a project and launched an online portal www.nnas.ca , which is fully functional and capable of providing consistent and timely assessment services to all internationally certified nurses (IEN) seeking registration in a Canadian jurisdiction. Through the portal, IEN applicants can evaluate their certifications before arriving to Canada.
2. The Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) project checked and improved the online learning material, available at www.csmls.org, for internationally trained technicians to obtain the tools and necessary resources to enter the licensing process and undertake the final certification exam. Medical laboratory technicians are regulated in eight Canadian provinces: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

Canada reported that the medical laboratory technician is the third largest health profession in Canada, with more than 21,000 laboratory professionals (private hospitals, public health, research and blood services), throughout the country. Although the only point of entry for CSMLS is successful in optimizing applications, 90% of the Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technicians (IEMLT) that apply to CSMLS do not have credentials equivalent to the Canadian educational standard, resulting in a great discrepancy between the Canadian practice standards and the standards and funds of IEMLT. 

Undersecretary of Employment and Labor Productivity, Patricia Martínez Cranss, presented a general vision of the Mexican State towards the importance of consolidating a model of circular, orderly, legal and safe labour mobility, highlighting that: 

1. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (STPS) undertakes a wide range of labour public policies that enhances internal and external labour mobility programs. Through these programs, STPS pays attention to the demands of peoples’ sector that contributes to migratory flows that complements the labour markets between countries that looks forward a model of circular, ordered, legal and safe labour mobility, always promoting respect for their labor rights and humans;
2. STPS considers that a public policy on labour mobility should promote: 
   1. Orderly migratory flows, according to the laws and regulations of both countries.
   2. Guaranteeing guarantees rights and liabilities of migrants.
   3. Circular flow migration that allows complementarity of both labour markets
3. She reported that a clear example of these, is the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program Mexico-Canada (SAWP), where more than 25,000 Mexican workers serve the needs of about 2,000 farms in 9 provinces in Canada up to date. 

In this regard, she stressed on a global perspective to take into account that labour migration is a reality that every country in the world faces. Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to attend and act in favor of this phenomenon acknowledging positively impacts at the local, regional and international level. 

Mexico's position was ratified to advance on the consolidation of the Labour Mobility Working Group established within the framework of CMP. Through this mechanism, the LMWG could help address labour needs of the Canadian employers in those sectors where Mexico has the required talent. 

Finally, Undersecretary Martínez Cranss, announced the results achieved by the National Employment Service towards placing Mexican workers with employers in various countries:

1. Canada, with the Mexico - Canada Temporary Agricultural Seasonal Workers Program (SAWP), from 1974 to date has placed 351,869 workers that attend to the needs of Canadian agricultural employers.
   From 2009 to 2017, through the Labour Mobility Mechanism, 1,236 Mexican workers have been linked to Canadian employers, which have ensured the continuity of their productive processes.
2. Since 2015 to date, the United States have placed 1,873 workers with US employers through the H2 Visa Program, in a scheme of circular, orderly, legal and safe labour mobility, specifically on the agricultural sector.
   On December 13, 2016, STPS signed an Agreement with the Standards Council for Fair Food (CNCJ) of Florida in order to establish a mechanism of circular, legal, orderly and safe labour mobility of Mexican workers to the USA, where equal opportunities and discrimination (Age, marital status, gender or others) prevention were the core of this agreement. The recruitment and selection of workers is exclusively carried out by the National Employment Service.
3. In Germany, in coordination with the Federal Employment Agency (AFEA), workers have been recruited to cover 26 different types of vacancies in the areas of health and engineering. Allowing the placement of up to 1,193 people on these sectors.

In order to start with the recruitment of candidates that cover the profile required by the employers in the areas mentioned above, the "Mexico-Germany Recruitment Mission", which took place in Mexico City and Guadalajara on September 4-9. Such event was organized by the CGSNE in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University of Guadalajara (UDG) through its Engineering and Health Sciences campus. As of today, 53 people who cover the profile required by employers have been nominated. 

With the foregoing, Mexico reiterated that its workforce has the necessary experience to consolidate a mechanism to meet the needs of Canadian employers. 

III. Future Activities 

The members of LMWG emphasized on the importance of labour mobility in the North American region. 

LMWG members agreed to hold a conference call in early 2018, to discuss a reform of the working group and collaboration with other bilateral mechanisms, such as the Human Capital Working Group of the CMP and the High Level Dialogue on Mobility. 

1. Canada agreed to send feedback by e-mail or through a teleconference, on the equivalences between the NOC and the SINCO of the occupations that Mexico sent to Canada on October 20, 2017, in particular on Medical Laboratory Technicians and Specialized Nurses:

   NOC	SINCO
   3011 Nursing coordinators and supervisors	2426 Enfermeras especialistas
   3211 Medical laboratory technologists	2813 Técnicos de laboratorios médicos
   3212 Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants	2814 Técnicos y asistentes farmacéuticos
   3413 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	2821 Auxiliares en enfermería y paramédicos/ 2811 Enfermeras (técnicas)
   3131 Pharmacists	2428 Farmacólogos
   3124 Allied primary health practitioners	2824 Parteras
   2013 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses	2426 Enfermeras especialistas

2. Canada agreed to share information by email or teleconference, of the online public portal of the National Nursing Evaluation Service (NNAS) and the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) to learn in detail the requirements and certification process times, so that Mexicans can apply for work in Canada. 

IV. Challenges and Opportunities 

Challenges

1. It is detected that the alignment of the NOC occupational profiles with the SINCO profiles, defined by Canada, is a main challenge. Particularly on the profiles of the Medical Laboratory and Specialized Nurses Technicians and to start in this way a true analysis of compatibility of functions.
2. Know in detail requirements (e.g. credential and language profiles) and related processing times of the certification so that Mexicans can apply to work in Canada.
3. Achieve a substantial advance in the recognition of foreign credentials in Canada within the health sector due to its recognition scheme determined by Canadian jurisdictions, without omitting that the credentials of Mexicans are not equivalent to the Canadian educational standard. 

Opportunities

The involvement of external actors that will assist in the process of recognition of foreign credentials:

1. Such is the case of the National Nursing Evaluation Service (NNAS), which developed a project and launched an online portal www.nnas.ca , capable of providing consistent and timely assessment services to all internationally certified nurses who are seeking registration in a Canadian jurisdiction before arriving in Canada, and;
2. The project of the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) revised and improved the online learning material, available at www.csmls.org , for technicians from internationally trained medical laboratories to obtain the necessary tools and resources to enter the licensing process and pass the final certification exam.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has an infrastructure and extensive experience operating public policies on internal and external labour mobility, which allow the complementarity of labour markets with countries where coordinated actions are currently taking place, that allow circular, orderly, legal and safe mobility. Mexico has a demographic bonus that holds the academic and labour training required by Canadian employers.

Meeting between the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico and the Department of Canadian Heritage

I. Introduction and objectives

At the November 23-24 Meeting of the Canada-Mexico Partnership (CMP) in Mexico City the Secretariat of Culture of Mexico and the Department of Canadian Heritage held an introductory meeting including key government officials and partners for the planning and organization of a new Culture and Creativity Working Group (CCWG) in the CMP. 

The purpose of the meeting was to:

• explore areas of mutual interest for potential collaboration;
• elaborate on broad goals and objectives for this cooperation; and
• develop a short term Action Plan and draft Terms of Reference. 

II. Results 

We are pleased to report that starting in 2018 Canada and Mexico have agreed to convene a formal Working Group under the CMP fostering cultural cooperation and strengthening the creative sector’s contribution to social and economic development. 

The CCWG will be a high-level forum to strengthen bilateral policy, economic and cultural cooperation. This initiative will serve as a mechanism for identifying areas wherein both countries can facilitate cooperation and enhance opportunities for development and investment. The CCWG will bring together industry leaders, key interlocutors, and senior policy makers to foster strategic networks and partnerships. 

The CCWG will be co-chaired by the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) and the Secretariat of Culture of the Mexico. 

Some proposed topics for future cooperation and collaboration include books and publishing, digital strategy and platforms, audiovisual and film, cultural project exchange, and indigenous languages, amongst others. 

Other projects include the development of a creative industries environment scan to identify challenges and opportunities, as well as the creation of a joint cultural policy dialogue. 

III. Future activities 

The group has agreed to seek approval of the draft Terms of Reference by the end of the calendar year and host a Co-chairs teleconference meeting in the first quarter of 2018.  In addition, the group will finalize key action plan items and identify partners in order to host the first official meeting of the Working Group in May 2018, working towards a comprehensive work plan to be presented at CMP 2018. 

It is expected to have the presence of Canada in the following events:

• International Forum of Digital Creative Industries
• Forum on Policies for the Promotion of Reading Policy
• Film and Audiovisual Market and Industry 2018 (MICA) to be held in June at the Cineteca Nacional.

IV. Challenges and opportunities

At this early stage, both Canada and Mexico are in a learning phase, with general exchanges on policy, cultural legislation, respective cultural sector market interests and opportunities, and best practices. No challenges have yet been identified.

Annex A - TIIWG 2017