Canada-Mexico partnership - 2019 annual report

Table of contents

• Part I Message from the National Co-Chairs of the Canada-Mexico Partnership
• Part II Profile and 2019 Institutional Report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership
• Part III Reports of the Working Groups
  1. Agri-business
  2. Forestry
  3. Human Capital
  4. Trade, Investment and Innovation
  5. Energy
  6. Environment
  7. Mining

Part I: Message from the National Co-Chairs of the Canada-Mexico Partnership

As National Co-Chairs it gives us great pleasure to present the 2019 Annual Report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership (CMP). Fifteen years into its existence, the CMP continues to demonstrate its value as the preeminent mechanism for dialogue between Mexico and Canada to promote bilateral cooperation in political, economic, social, academic and cultural affairs.

The CMP is a unique mechanism that includes a plurality of stakeholders from the private and public sectors, who meet annually regardless of changes at the political level. The prevailing success of the CMP is due to its continuing adaptability in order to reflect the priorities established by the stakeholders. The ultimate goal of the CMP is to provide a space for stakeholder engagement on key priorities in order to develop strategies that increase our economic competitiveness and enhance bilateral cooperation on agri-business; trade, investment and innovation; environment; energy; forestry; human capital; mining; and culture and creativity.

The 2019 Annual Report presents an impressive compilation of results coming out of the 15^th Annual Meeting of the Canada-Mexico Partnership, which was held in Mexico City on November 27^th and 28^th, 2019. The achieved outcomes reflect the depth of the bilateral relationship and shared values, as well as the importance that both countries place on delivering mutually agreed objectives.

The 2019 CMP took place over a day and a half. On the first day, the Working Groups reviewed the results achieved in the previous year and set priorities for the upcoming year. About 200 representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries participated in five out of the eight Working Groups of the CMP: agri-business, forestry, human capital, trade, investment and innovation, and environment. The mining and energy working groups met earlier, on October 21^st and November 26^th, respectively.

On the second work day, Co-Chairs of six Working Groups (with participation of the Mining Working Group) presented the main outcomes of their deliberations in an open plenary along with the national Co-Chairs.

As national Co-Chairs we praised the ambition and detailed agendas, while applauding the many bridges and opportunities for cross-sectional collaboration among the Working Groups.

We wish to particularly recognize and express gratitude for the commitment and active participation of the private sector and of the non-governmental organizations in the Working Groups which has increased over 15 years, greatly broadening the CMP dialogue. Also, we acknowledge the outstanding participation of the stakeholders from the provinces, the federal entities and the Mexican and Canadian private industry, which continue to be important actors in this bilateral mechanism. We would like highlight the active participation of the provinces of Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, as well as the one from the Mexican states of Yucatán, Sonora, and Sinaloa during the 2019 CMP meeting.

As national Co-Chairs, we reaffirm our commitment to implement activities that foster the fulfillment of the mutually agreed proposals during the 15^th CMP annual reunion. We seek to make the CMP a much more dynamic, innovative, integrated and efficient mechanism with the convergence of our public and private sectors.

We extend our gratitude to all the co-chairs and members of the working groups for their participation, commitment and valuable contribution for the strengthening of the CMP and our bilateral relations. We are confident that 2020 will be as successful as previous years in contributing to the enhanced Canada-Mexico bilateral relationship.

Jesús Seade
Undersecretary for North America
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, México

Michael Grant
Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas
Global Affairs Canada

Part II: Profile and 2019 Institutional Report of the Canada-Mexico Partnership

The CMP was launched in 2004 by the governments of Canada and Mexico as a bilateral initiative to promote public and private cooperation. It involves participants from the Canadian and Mexican governments, business sectors, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. The CMP is constituted by eight Working Groups, which its goal is to enhance the collaboration in their respective sectors of interest. While each Working Group operates autonomously during all year, all CMP members gather together for an annual meeting, which is hosted on an alternating basis by each country. The most recent meeting was held in Mexico City on November 27^th and 28^th, 2019.

Although the CMP involve a wide spectrum of actors from different government departments, the general coordination and management is jointly led by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE). The national Co-Chairs are the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada and the Undersecretary for North America at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Subject to Ongoing Review

Since the beginning, the CMP was designed 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, the Working Groups have evolved; new ones were created; responsibilities of its Co-Chairs have changed; some groups have merged, while others have split off, or even completely dissolved; meanwhile, other groups have reviewed and modified its mandates and vision. For example, in 2018, by mutual agreement between Co-Chairs of the Mobility Working Group, came to the conclusion that after 12 years of existence, this group met its objectives, therefore it was dissolved. In 2018, the Culture and Creativity Working Group met for the first time, becoming one of the most promising groups that would involve the participation of the Mexican and Canadian sectors of fine arts. Lastly, in 2019 the CMP national co-chairs agreed to explore the possibility of creating a new Working Group on Indigenous Affairs.

During the 15^th annual reunion of the CMP, the Agri-business Working Group met again in the framework of this mechanism. Mexican Undersecretary of Agriculture, Miguel García Winder, reactivated the work of this group after an arduous period of trilateral negotiations on the CUSMA. He emphasized the importance of finding bilateral fora that foster more sustainable agri-business for both countries.

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

Working Groups and activities of the CMP

The 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 governmental officers from the appropriate ministries. Currently, the eight Working Groups are:

• Agri-business
• Forestry
• Human Capital
• Trade, Investment and Innovation
• Creativity and Culture
• Energy
• Environment
• Mining

Canadian Working Groups co-chairs are from the following institutions: Global Affairs Canada (GAC); Natural Resources Canada (NRCan); Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC); Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); Canadian Heritage (PCH); Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA); and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CanCham).

Mexican Working Groups 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 Culture (SC); Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER); National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR); National Agriculture Council (CNA); and the Mexican Business Council on Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE).

In 2019, the Canadian and Mexican Co-Chairs of the Culture and Creativity Working Group (CCWG) did not meet due to previously arranged commitments. However, the will and work of this working group has materialized to deliver joint projects that resulted in Canada being the Guest of Honor Country at the 2019 International Cervantino Festival, the year that marks the 75^th Anniversary of the establishment of relations diplomatic between Mexico and Canada, among others.

The Co-Chairs revised the CCWG 2019 Action Plan, which contemplated the participation of government officials, provincial representatives and observers from Canadian universities, and they are in close collaboration aiming towards the next CMP meeting.

The CCWK is also working closely with the Trade, Investment and Innovation Working Group to identify joint projects of the creative industries that could contribute to our respective economies.

Annual meetings of the CMP

Mexico and Canada alternate hosting duties each year. The annual meetings serve as a focal for the reorientation of the activities of the Working Groups and, at the same time, present the opportunity for the co-chairs to analyze the achievements, efficiency and future course for their Working Groups and the CMP as a whole. The main objective of the annual reunion is to adopt and promote a strategic vision, as well as a 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, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Quebec, Jalisco, State of Mexico, Chihuahua and Morelos.

Overall, the annual reunion 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. Furthermore, 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
14. Ottawa, Ontariop - October 11-12, 2018

Part III Reports of the Working Groups

Agri-business Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives

Four topics, jointly proposed and mutually agreed to, were addressed during the session:

• Theme 1. Opportunities and challenges in trade flows within existing free trade agreements.
• Theme 2. Labour issues in agriculture.
• Theme 3. Pesticide maximum residues limits: international initiatives and collaboration opportunities to facilitate trade and enable farmers’ choice.
• Theme 4. Report on the workshop about the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulation (SFCR) and the Organics Equivalency Arrangement.

II. Results

Theme 1. Opportunities and challenges in trade flows within existing free trade agreements.

After 25 years of partnership under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico and Canada acknowledge that free trade has benefited both countries. It is important to make such benefits accessible to all segments of population, including small farmers, women and indigenous communities.

Theme 2. Labour issues in agriculture

Both parties agree that the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) has benefitted both Mexico and Canada, and that the program should continue.

Theme 3. Pesticide Maximum Residues limits: international initiatives and collaboration opportunities to facilitate trade and enable farmers’ choice

Recognizing that different or missing pesticide Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) make it challenging to export, it is important to continue to work together through forums such as the NAFTA Technical Working Group on Pesticides and the AG5 Group, to maintain farmers’ access to plant protection products.

Theme 4. Report on the Workshop about the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulation (SFCR) and the Organics Equivalency Arrangement

A report was provided on the Workshop related to the new SFCR and the Canada-Mexico Organics Equivalency Arrangement. The Workshop was held on November 22, 2019 at the Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development facilities.

III. Future activities

Theme 1. Opportunities and challenges in trade flows within existing free trade agreements.

They committed to continue promoting science and risk-based decision making to provide predictability and certainty for investments and trade flows. They also agreed to encourage the adoption of innovations and new technologies and promote a positive image of agriculture in the region. It is important to continue to foster the collaboration of our respective sanitary and phytosanitary authorities to prevent threats from entering North America, such as African swine fever.

Canada and Mexico expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation mechanisms by exchanging experiences through farmers’ dialogues and technology transfer in order to promote productivity, sustainability and profitability of agricultural activity.

Theme 2. Labour issues in agriculture

Mexico requested that Canada share its experiences related to the implementation of the Integrity Inspection Program, which is part of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). Likewise, Mexico offered to share with Canada several publications of interest related to Mexico’s federal labour reform.

Theme 3. Pesticide Maximum Residues limits: international initiatives and collaboration opportunities to facilitate trade and enable farmers’ choice

Both parties expressed their interest in promoting the adoption of new technologies to foster competitiveness in the agricultural sector, as well as facilitating discussions of experts in relation to animal and plant breeding innovations.

Theme 4: Report on the Workshop about the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulation (SFCR) and the Organics Equivalency Arrangement

Canada and Mexico committed to continued dialogue regarding the implementation of the SFCR in order to help Mexican exporters comply with the new regulations.

IV. Challenges and opportunities

Theme 1. Opportunities and challenges in trade flows within existing free trade agreements.

Both parties expressed concern about growing protectionism and unjustified trade barriers that contravene current agreements and they agreed to continue to jointly support the international rules-based trading system and maintain the multilateral WTO System, including its Dispute Settlement Body.

Furthermore, in light of changing global consumer preferences and evolving markets, both countries agreed on the importance of market and product diversification.

Theme 2. Labour issues in agriculture

It is recognized that there is a decrease in the availability of farm labour in many sectors and areas of both countries due to urbanization and aging populations that will need to be addressed. These labour challenges vary between country, sector and season.

Theme 3. Pesticide Maximum Residues limits: international initiatives and collaboration opportunities to facilitate trade and enable farmers’ choice.

Both parties reaffirm the need for science and risk-based decision making. It is important to continue to work together through forums such as the NAFTA Technical Working Group on Pesticides and the AG5 Group, to maintain farmers’ access to plant protection products.

Theme 4. Report on the Workshop about the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulation (SFCR) and the Organics Equivalency Arrangement

Both parties recognized the progress made in relation to the negotiation of the Canada-Mexico Organics Equivalency Arrangement, and agreed to finalize the process.

Forestry Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives

The Canada-Mexico Partnership’s (CMP) Forestry Working Group (FWG) meeting was held on October 27, 2019, with most of the Canadian colleagues participating via videoconference, except for the Canadian Co-president. The FWG meeting allowed participants to address three key topics: (1) wildland fire management (2) forest carbon accounting (3) building with wood; and to discuss a new area of potential collaboration. 

Canada and Mexico recognized the FWG’s closed partnership, highlighting that the FWG has been one of the most productive and well-organized groups of the CMP. In this context, both countries were pleased to review the progress of existing areas of collaboration, as well as to discuss new opportunities to strengthen their relationship.

II. Results

Wildland Fire Management

Collaboration in fire management continues to be very successful. The Operating Plan for the Exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources between Canadian and Mexican Participants was signed in May 2019 by Mexico and in June 2019 by Canada. This year, additional requirements related to technical and language skills, as well as health conditions were included in the Operating Plan, to ensure that the best human resources are sent to Canada. Anticipating an assistance request from Canada during 2020, Mexico has already a list of 200 potential candidates that meet all the technical and physical criteria.

In 2019 Mexico could not provide assistance from the federal level, when requested by Canada; however, at the state-level Jalisco was able to send firefighters to help battle wildfires in Alberta thanks to the sister state agreement they signed in 1999. 

Canada and Mexico have continued advancing the promotion of women in wildland fire management and firefighting activities. Even if the participation of women is still low in both countries, Canada and Mexico will continue working towards strengthening women’s capabilities for the fire management sector.

Mexico has implemented and is operating its own Forest Fire Danger Rating System and incorporates several years of technology and knowledge sharing with the Canadian Forest Service. Last year, Mexico’s fire danger rating system was being run remotely in Canada and used every day in Mexico. This year, with the launch of Mexico’s new system, the Canadian system is only being used to consult and help with calibration. Recognizing the importance of the information provided by these tools for critical aspects of operational planning, Canada, Mexico and the US continuously exchange scientific information to feed the forest fire prediction systems and promote the ongoing improvement of these systems.

Mexico and Canada also leverage other fora for the technical exchange of information, such as the Fire Management Working Group of the North American Forest Commission (NAFC).

Carbon Accounting

Canada and Mexico recognized that this collaboration has been very fruitful, not only bilaterally but trilaterally between Canada, Mexico and the U.S.. Relevant information has been generated for regional forest management and to support the assessment and implementation of science-based mitigation activities, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the forestry sector and beyond (e.g. substitution effects in the energy and building sectors).

Despite financial constraints, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. have promoted capacity building in forest carbon accounting, through workshops (e.g., workshop in Mexico in August 2019), and other initiatives, some of them thanks to the funds provided by SilvaCarbon.

The systems developed in Canada (Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector [CBM-CFS3], Harvested Wood Products [HWP], substitution models) have already been used in Mexico in studies conducted at the sub-national level by CONAFOR (Mexico-Norway project, 2012-2016) and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Kurz et al. 2015, Mascorro et al. 2015, Olguin et al. 2015, 2018). The analysis s generated has been able to provide information in support of the development of forest sector goals (FCPF 2013, PRONAFOR 2013-2018), in addition to contributing to the country's Mid Century Strategy document.

It is expected that in the future new analyzes can be performed using the spatially explicit Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM), using activity data (i.e. deforestation and forest degradation) recently developed by CONAFOR for the forestry sector of Mexico. Likewise, support for these types of carbon accounting tools is expected to continue in the GHG emission projection exercises in the country, providing information in support of updating Mexico’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and mitigation goals in the forestry sector for 2030 and 2050.

Challenges remain to finance studies on forest carbon budget modeling in Mexico, address the continuity and expanded need of trained experts who can run models and improve the capacity to process the data with the CBM.

CONAFOR informed that it has expressed its interest in collaborating with a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) initiative, which will seek funding from the Green Climate Fund or Global Environment Facility (GEF), aimed at pilot implementation of FLINT (Full Lands Integration Tool) for greenhouse gas accounting in the forestry and other land use sectors. CONAFOR also expressed its interest to explore the use of GCBM which is built on the FLINT platform, to the extent possible.

Building with Wood

Canada and Mexico reiterated their interest and willingness to collaborate on building with wood. Mexico expressed its great interest to modernize and promote the forest sector in the country and to build capacity in forest-dependent indigenous communities. To do so, Mexico is working on a program in which partnerships with the education and private sectors will be key for success; however, its main focus will be social housing, in order to promote the development of processing smaller diameter wood (<15cm). It is proposed to review this type of industrial processing in Canada and project investment possibilities in Mexico.

Despite the obstacles identified, including the high costs of the components, the lack of manufacturing capacity and a national market, Mexico will work on a program promoting the benefits of building with wood, which were highlighted during the discussion with Canada, such as the benefits it brings to human health and environment.

Canada has a long history in building houses and public buildings with wood. Considering Mexico’s early stage in this area, Canada recommended that Mexico consider several actions that would need to be carried out in parallel with the launching of its program, including the following three components: (1) to support wood and hybrid wood demonstration projects, supported by a communications campaign, (2) to revise the building code supported by research; (3) to advance wood education and training and technology transfer.

Canada mentioned its collaboration with China in this area, including the development of incentives to support the commercial and regulatory uptake of advanced timber construction and its support to develop guidelines for engineers and architects, and both countries agreed to explore the possibility of having a similar cooperation.

III. Future activities

Wildland Fire Management

Despite the national level travel restrictions which limited Mexico’s federal assistance to Canada during 2019, there is now a clear process in Mexico for the authorization of international deployments. Therefore, in 2020 and subsequently, Mexico can provide timely response and deploy the personnel requested within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding and supporting Operating Plan for the Exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources between Canadian and Mexican Participants.

Canada and Mexico expressed their interest in advancing bilateral collaboration in scientific research related to the use of satellite images at the national level in the areas of forest fire impact assessments.

Mexico has continued working on improving the detection of areas impacted by active wildfires through satellite imagery; however, in some cases, active fire detections continue after fires are controlled. Canada has considerable expertise and investment in techniques for active wildfire detection and the measurement of Fire Radiative Potential (which can be related to fire intensity).

The new Canadian WildFireSat initiative provides an opportunity for these tools to be used in operational planning timeframes. Mexico will build on the collaboration with Canada and its technology to have more timely information for better decision making. Both countries agreed on having bilateral calls to exchange information and evaluate if this would be convenient for Mexico.

Carbon Accounting

With support from Canada, Mexico will continue enhancing capacity building on the use of carbon accounting tools for the forest sector and will start a piloting process for the utilization of CBM-CFS3 with the recently new activity data developed by CONAFOR.

Canada and Mexico reiterated the need to continue seeking funding support, including for expanding collaborations with other potential partners in the region, such as SilvaCarbon and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).

CONAFOR and CFS will formulate an action plan for implementing collaboration activities in short and medium terms.

Building with Wood

Canada will support Mexico by sharing knowledge and experiences related to building with wood. As one of the first steps, Canada will share with Mexico some examples of its collaboration with China, particularly the development of incentives in the sector. Likewise, Canada will share information to help Mexico develop guidelines for the increased use of wood in the construction of homes and schools with a social and community focus.

As a follow-up to a proposal from last year, both countries will explore the possibility of organizing a Mexican delegation tour to Canada, ideally on the frame of, or as part of, a major workshop or wood conference in Canada, in which delegates can visit modern mass timber buildings and manufacturing plants and have meetings with key mass timber architects and engineering teams and other industry stakeholders.

Other Area of Potential Collaboration

Mexico expressed its interest to re-engage in the International Model Forest Network (IMFN), dedicated to promoting the sustainable management of forest‐based landscapes and natural resources through the Model Forest’s collaborative approach, which was first developed and implemented by the Government of Canada in the early 1990s.

In the framework of this network, Mexico and Canada could explore areas of collaboration related to conflict resolution, local leadership and capacity building, landscape planning at multiple scales with multiple stakeholders.

During the first months of 2020, Mexico will notify Canada about its decision to re-engage in the International Model Forest Network. If so, both countries will discuss potential initiatives of collaboration under the IMFN, with the possibility of inviting other Mexican institutions to those initiatives, including Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas.

IV. Challenges and opportunities

The FWG is committed to continue its work towards a closer collaboration, building on the information that has been generated, the experience gathered, and the great willingness to work together.

Even when both countries recognized that financial support remains a challenge, they expressed that in 2020 major progress can be achieved in the existing and potential future areas of collaboration.

Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Julián Ventura Valero, during the Round Table between National Co-chairs and Working Group Co-chairs, made reference to the collaboration focused on education and forestry between Technical and Higher Education Institutions which was carried out in the past between Canada and Mexico and asked the Mexican Co-president to explore the possibility and opportunities to collaborate in this topic again.

Human Capital Working Group

I. Introduction and Overview

More than twenty-five representatives from the Mexican and Canadian governments, institutions and educational associations participated in the XV meeting of the Working Group on Human Capital (HCWG), held on November 27 and 28, 2019 in Mexico City. Participants highlighted the continued interest in bringing together governments and other stakeholders to forge new links and initiatives that contribute to the expansion of human capital.

Mexico was the 11^th largest source of international students studying in Canada on study permits of six months or more in 2018, and is the third-largest source of international students in Canada from the Americas, after the USA and Brazil. Nearly 12,000 Mexican students chose Canada as a language studies destination in 2018 for short-term language training, exchange programs or full-time study.

This year, the co-chairs guided an interactive discussion focused on identifying key opportunities to strengthen bilateral academic exchange mechanisms, ways to promote, develop and facilitate alliances, as well as paying special attention to indigenous peoples and gender equality. Educational institutions and associations, as well as federal and state/provincial governments, participated in the HCWG. Also present were representatives of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CANCHAM) and Mitacs.

As in previous years, this year's meeting included a session on the promotion of human capital development and the improvement of academic exchange programs between Canada and Mexico. The Working Group meeting operated as a round table discussion, which allowed participants to express concerns or questions that arose during the course of the discussion and share new projects and initiatives. On this occasion, the HCWG discussed potential elements which could become part of the 2020-2021 Action Plan.

Key Results of the 2018-2019 Action Plan

List of Achievements:

Since the last meeting of the HCWG, which was held in October 2018 in Ottawa, participants have achieved concrete results in the areas of academic collaboration, technical and scientific cooperation, and academic exchange.

Some of the key results of both parties include:

• The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), through AMEXCID, managed from 2015 to 2018 the Proyecta 10,000 scholarship program whose final goal was to send 10,000 Mexicans in 2018 to higher education institutions in Canada. This goal was surpassed with 14,000 Mexican students assigned to higher education institutions in Canada.
• AMEXCID and SEP (Secretaria de Educacion Publica) highlighted their Tuition Reduction and Language Assistant programs, which have helped to reduce the language barrier and facilitate the stay of Mexican students in Canada.
• The State of Mexico implemented a project based on “Proyecta 10,000” which is called “Proyecta Estado de México” and is financed by the state public funds. Developed over 5 years, the project incorporates science and technology programs that are in high demand by the student community in the State of Mexico wishing to study in Canada.
• In 2019, SEP’s office of the Coordination of Technological and Polytechnic Universities sent 148 students to Canada and five national universities signed mobility agreements.
• SEP, specifically the Direccion General de Educacion Superior para Profesionales de la Educacion – DGESPE), has been collaborating with MacEwan University on the development of a training program for undergraduate students that includes English language training.
• The State of Jalisco presented the results of the “Tierra de Talento” program, which includes an initiative with Languages Canada in order to enhance language skills as needed for academic exchange of masters and postgraduate students in science and technology.
• The National Polytechnic Institute emphasized its strong collaboration with Canada through the exchange project between the University of Quebec and the Higher School of Chemical Engineering and Extractive Industry (ESIQUE).
  In addition, they highlighted their internationalization strategy, which includes the restructuring of their language program to increase the level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from B1 to C1 so that language is less of a barrier to Mexican students obtaining a Canadian scholarship.
• ANUIES presented the “Digital Repository for the Internationalization of Higher Education in Mexico” through which one can learn about internationalization activities and existing inter-institutional agreements. This should facilitate the exchange of good practices between educational institutions as well as the potential academic exchange between them.
• Multiple 14-week student mobility exchange agreements were concluded between Mexico’s federal Ministry of Education with Canadore College, Algonquin College, and Lakehead University in 2018/19.
• Forty Canadian institutions welcomed 2,000 Mexican students under the Proyecta 10,000 program in 2018, including Lakehead University (450 Students at two campuses), MacEwan University (80 students), University of Calgary (80 students), Thompson Rivers University (55 students) and others.
• University of Ottawa has signed a number of collaboration agreements for student exchanges with seven Mexican Universities. Since 2016, the University’s Faculty of Law has also participated in an ambitious program to train Judges of the State of Mexico for the development and interpretation of international human rights standards into domestic law.
  The University of Ottawa also established an office in Mexico in 2019 to support its recruitment of undergraduate and graduate students, and to enhance its presence in the country.
• Languages Canada signed a number of MOUs in 2019 including with: EDUCAFIN/State of Guanajuato, the Secretary of Education of Guanajuato, the Secretary of Education of Jalisco; and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of Jalisco, and the Consortium of Mexican Universities. In cooperation with the State of Guanajuato, Languages Canada members including Algonquin College, University of Toronto, Lakehead University, Université Laval and University of Waterloo have signed bilateral agreements with EDUCAFIN to provide ESL and teacher training programs in Canada to cohorts of Mexican language educators in Canada.
• Since June 2019, more than 500 Mexican students have participated in short-term language & culture programs at the University of Regina. In addition, since the Winter 2019 semester, the University of Regina has hosted more than 40 exchange students from Mexican partner universities.
  The University also supported faculty-led partnership development efforts in 2019 by sending two delegations to visit Mexican partner universities, the Ministry of Culture, the National Institute of Anthropology and History, as well as the National Institute of Indigenous Languages.
• MacEwan University partnered with the Ministry of Education (Dirección General de Educación Superior para Profesionales de la Educación - DGESPE) on teacher training, hosting the first group of 40 students in Fall of 2019.
  The University also participated in Mexico’s first Grant Program for Canadian Indigenous Students in 2018. Four Canadian students and two instructors traveled to Mexico under this program.
• On November 14, 2019, Universities Canada presented on Indigenous post-secondary education in Canada at the International Association of Universities Conference in Puebla, Mexico. Universities Canada also participated in the Canada-Mexico Innovation Binational Forum: Science, Technology and Development, the link between Academy-Industry on May 9, 2019. The event was co-organized by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Mitacs and UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico).
• Mitacs co-hosted the Mexico-Canada Science and Innovation Forum in Mexico City in May 2019, bringing Canadian university, science, and innovation leaders together with their Mexican counterparts. The Forum aimed to encourage broader and more systematic connections between Canada and Mexico in science and innovation, and to encourage engagement with the new government.

Key Issues for the HCWG 2019

Stimulate Opportunities for the Exchange of Students, Teachers and Staff

The group's discussion focused mainly on means to increase Canadian student mobility to Mexico. AMEXCID noted that there are 15 available scholarships for Canadian students to study in Mexico that are not currently fully utilized. In response to the above, Canadian institutions suggested that inter-institutional dissemination mechanisms should be strengthened with the objective of positioning Mexico as a preferred academic destination. Importantly, these need to be accompanied by campaigns aimed at eliminating any negative views Canadian students may have of Mexico.

The Working Group also agreed that the aim is not only to improve English and Spanish language training for students, but also to focus on offering other value added skills, to allow for more complete formation of human capital.

A major issue facing students who participate in academic exchanges is the recognition of educational qualifications. In Canada, education is a provincial responsibility and that can make it difficult to develop educational equivalences between Mexico and Canada. Canada mentioned the impending approval of the final text of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications for Higher Education, which was discussed at the UNESCO Education Commission in November 2019. While ratification of the Convention in Canada will take time (involving provinces and territories), this conversation could potentially facilitate academic exchanges.

Canadian stakeholders also outlined another obstacle for Canadian students interested in studying in Mexico related to the lack of any immigration status that allows international students to study and work at the same time. This is a common practice among Canadian students who work in order to pay for their studies.

Indigenous Exchange and Gender Approach

AMEXCID was congratulated for having obtained budget approval for up to 40 student scholarships under its Canadian Indigenous Scholarship Program. This program allows for inclusion of indigenous communities’ in international education and takes advantage of the cultural diversity between Mexico and Canada to strengthen cooperation in this area.

Regarding promotion of gender equality, , CONACYT stressed that there is a mandate from the Federal Government to encourage promotion of gender equality; however, each time it involves the science and technology disciplines, the majority of applicants are male students. Therefore, they will now ensure that their scholarships will take a broader approach to include other social science disciplines.

Language Teaching

The Working Group stressed the importance of efforts to overcome the language barrier, including through teaching English in Mexican institutions and Spanish in Canadian institutions in order to increase two-way mobility.

The Mexican Delegation mentioned that there are job offers available for Mexicans in Canada which are not taken up of, in part because Mexican professionals are not proficient in the French language. Proposals for new strategies for teaching English and French in Mexican institutions such as the National Polytechnic and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, were welcomed by both delegations.

Higher Education for the Skills of the Future

The discussion focused on reinterpreting the concept of internationalization to include initiatives other than student mobility. This included strategies for higher education institutions to encourage internationalization at home including curriculum, education of teachers, ongoing training, and language training.

Emphasis was placed on generating new initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive and complete development of human capital in both countries, involving not only technical but also inter-cultural communication skills and global competencies. This will require a commitment in order to develop skills for both teachers and students. One way of doing this would be the development of curricula similar to those established by the Common European Framework, which uses language curriculums that simulate reality in the teaching.

Conclusions

Despite changes in administration, the Mexican government emphasized its commitment to continuing programs aimed at the advancement and training of specialized workers, strengthening language skills, and increasing the academic mobility of students, teachers and researchers. The Mexican side also confirmed support for existing bilateral cooperation and stressed that international experience is important for youth to develop their leadership skills, foreign language proficiency, and personal and professional networks.

The Canadian Delegation recognized the importance of taking academic mobility to the next level, not only focusing on the development of technical skills and knowledge, but also on the development of “soft skills” such as tolerance, respect for diversity and teamwork which help students achieve a balanced education.

The group discussions were productive, with a focus on a range of academic cooperation with strong results for both countries. New initiatives by state/provincial governments, citizens and the educational institutions also bode well for the future.

Bilateral relations between Canada and Mexico are moving forward in a manner which reflects global requirements and academic cooperation is a strong element in meeting these requirements. Both countries committed to make this collaboration more inclusive in matters of gender, indigenous populations, and various educational levels, to ensure the opportunities benefit a wider population in both countries.

The efforts of Canada and Mexico, through the Working Group on Human Capital, support the intention to make the North American region the most competitive and dynamic worldwide, and reflect Canada and Mexico's commitment to the development and well-being of their populations.

Working Group on Trade, Investment and Innovation

I. Introduction and Objectives

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.

The Group was co-chaired by the Director General of International Treaties, Monitoring, Administration and Compliance Oversight of the Ministry of Economy (SE) and the Director General of the North America Network at Global Affairs Canada.

The Mexican delegation was comprised of representatives from the Units of Productive Development and Global Economic Intelligence, as well as the Direction General for Innovation from the SE, National Foreign Trade Bank (Bancomext), Mexican Association of Private Capital A.C. (AMEXCAP), Mexican Association of Secretaries of Economic Development (AMSDE) and Mexican Council of Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). On the Canadian side, officials from Natural Resources Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada- ISED, the Canadian Embassy in Mexico, Trade Representatives from  the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, the Business Council of Canada, private sector (Bombardier and Scotiabank) and the Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) participated in person and via conference call.

The Co-chairs highlighted the contributions made by all participants and acknowledged the importance of continuing to deepen our understanding of new trade and investment realities within a changing environment.

II. Results

Economic/Political Landscape

Mexico:

At first, Mexico expressed that one of the priorities of the current administration is to strengthen the domestic market through better income and develop more social responsibility. This new government will seek to close the gap between parts of the countries that have been lagging behind.

International trade is a key element of the Mexican economy. Trade is essential to the well-being of the economy. To take advantage of international trade Mexico needs to find ways to include people, workers, companies, economic sectors, regions into the value chains.

Mexico has important challenges. The world is experiencing the fourth industrial revolution, of which Mexico should not remain on the sidelines and should also generate solutions to address its lags. For these reasons, the program of the Ministry of Economy focuses on three important and complementary pillars: 1) innovation, 2) diversification and 3) inclusion.

The first pillar of its economic policy, innovation, will seek to meet the needs of the country, focussing on technological development, which will also help to reduce the economic and social gaps that exist in Mexico.

The second pillar has to do with trade diversification. Mexico’s trade is highly concentrated in the US. This shows that, on one hand, it has a strong economic integration and ties with the North American region and, on the other, that there is room for diversification. Mexico has signed 13 free trade agreements with preferential access to 50 countries and so must leverage those opportunities for diversification.

Finally, Mexico will look for economic growth through a more inclusive approach to include sectors that were previously left out from the benefits of a trade-oriented strategy. Therefore, it is time to propose a new growth strategy. Mexico will integrate more productive sectors, have a very aggressive policy for small and medium enterprises, and close the geographical development gap.

Canada:

The Co-chair mentioned briefly that federal elections took place on October 21, 2019. While the same political party was re-elected, it will now govern from a minority position. Its priorities will continue however to include innovation and diversification. Canada is not only seeking to reduce its dependency on the US market, but to use it as a springboard into new markets, recognizing that SMEs will naturally gain experience in the US before diversifying to new overseas markets.

The newly elected  government is committed to supporting the middle class, reducing taxes to create new business opportunities, boosting the energy sector, including construction and expansion of pipelines within Canada, fighting against pollution and supporting climate change commitments, which is a challenge for the North America region.

Canada underlined that Mexico continues to be a strategic commercial trading partner. There are a lot of potential opportunities in the energy sector, including construction of pipelines and mining industry.

Action Plan 2019:

The meeting aimed at reviewing activities related to trade, investment and innovation that were carried out in 2019, highlighting the following: the Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) held in April 2019 in Mexico City, in which Canada was the “Guest of Honour”; business missions such as the one carried out in February 2019, in Monterrey, where 100 Canadian entrepreneurs participated, supported by the Business Women's Organization and Global Affairs of Canada, to encourage the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in international trade; and events of financial support and mentoring to Mexican entrepreneurs through AMEXCAP initiatives.

Participant Contributions:

ISED presented an overview of Canada’s five superclusters (conference call). The presentation focused on 1) digital technology, 2) protein industries, 3) next generation manufacturing, 4) artificial intelligence, and 5) ocean technologies. It was noted that all superclusters must invest in technology leadership activities, which are collaborative projects that directly enhance the productivity, performance and competitiveness of current and potential member firms. Up to $950 million over five years has been invested by the Government of Canada to establish these industry-led innovation superclusters.

Mexico also shared what it is doing regarding innovation. There is a strong commitment to support innovation centres and boost industry 4.0 through several strategies.

At Mexico’s request, Natural Resources Canada- Canadian Forest Service presented an overview on the theme of  “Circular Economy” explaining how resource inputs and wastes, including emissions, are minimized and resources are utilized for as long as possible to extract maximum value and reduce footprint. Canada will be hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in Toronto (Fall 2020).

There were also several statements made by the private sector, underlining the importance of deepening the commercial relationship between Mexico and Canada, with an emphasis on seeking common ground that should be further explored and discussed.

The Business Council of Canada (conference call) pointed out that both countries need to work more closely in order to deliver better trade and investment outcomes.

AMEXCAP and Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (conference call) underscored that several events such as seminars, workshops, meetings will take place in 2020 to identify key challenges and propose initiatives which will encourage the development of entrepreneurs in both countries.

Bombardier Aviation Inc. (conference call) shared comments regarding the manufacturing center in Mexico. The company stated that Mexico has important competitive advantages compared to other regions worldwide such as: 1) solid infrastructure and industrial experience, 2) operational efficiency, 3) strong pool of human resources, 4) sustainability for suppliers and aerospace cluster, and 5) political regulations, among others. It has invested around US $500 million in Mexico to establish world class facilities. Bombardier concluded that there are more opportunities for both parties but it is important to continue working together.

Scotiabank (Mexican headquarters) made a presentation describing the digital transformation that is taking place in three areas: 1) organizational alignment, 2) customer experience, and 3) technology modernization. Scotiabank confirmed that Mexico continues to be an important market for its financial products.

This bank has invested important amounts of money to support and boost Mexican startups and entrepreneurs to develop several projects.

AMSDE (Mexican Association of Secretaries of Economic Development – state level) and representatives of Canadian provinces such as Ontario, Alberta and Quebec exchanged views to generate synergies. All participants mentioned that there are economic and social advantages to undertake investments. Parties agreed that more work needs to be done to boost trade and investment between provinces and states. It was acknowledged that several activities are taking place right now but more can be done.

TIIWG Work Plan for 2020:

Both sides presented draft lists of potential trade, investment and innovation projects that could be carried out in 2020 – refer to annex for full list.  While the projects were reviewed quickly, some still need to be further elaborated. Both sides agreed on the importance of carrying out initiatives that support SMEs and underrepresented exporter groups including women entrepreneurs and indigenous peoples.

Please refer to Annex for Initiatives Proposed for 2020.

III. Future activities

• Both delegations will explore opportunities to develop projects with SMEs and underrepresented groups including women and original populations/indigenous peoples
• Canada and Mexico will follow-up on how is the best approach to address the reconciliation on trade statistics.
• Canada offered to share more information on its experience in the field of circular economy and extended an invitation to the SE to participate in the World Forum on Circular Economy, in Toronto, Canada, in the fall of 2020. The Forum will bring together business leaders and experts on the subject to discuss the innovative design of products and commercial models that will help reuse and remanufacture materials.
• Canadian provinces and Mexican states will continue a dialogue to seek new trade and investment opportunities.
• TIIWG will discuss how to work more closely with other Working Groups, (e.g. culture, energy, mining, environment.), particularly on cross cutting issues, i.e. indigenous consultations.

Energy Working Group

I. Introduction and Objectives

The Canada Mexico Partnership Energy Working Group took place on November 26, 2019 from 4pm to 6pm at SENER Offices in Mexico City. Canada was represented by CMP Energy Working Group Co-Chair Yiota Kokkinos, DG of the International Energy Branch at Natural Resources Canada. Secretary of Energy Rocio Nahle was present to represent Mexico, with CMP Energy Working Group co-chair Dr. Velvet Rosemberg serving as moderator.

Alberto Montoya Martín del Campo, Deputy Secretary of Planning and Energy Transition of the Ministry of Energy of Mexico inaugurated the activities and thanked the Canadian Ambassador to Mexico for his presence and attentions.

In his opening remarks, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark noted the importance of the CMP to open a space for Canada and Mexico to discuss different topics related to energy and human capital. ADM Grant touched on the importance of the CMP as an opportunity to better understand each other’s perspectives. Both the Ambassador and ADM noted the importance of Canada’s relationship with Mexico, one of Canada’s closest partners.

Subsequently, the Secretary of Energy of Mexico, Rocío Nahle García, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Americas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Michael Grant, began the meeting of the Energy Working Group. In their welcome messages they agreed on the importance of strengthening the relationship between both countries and continuing the dialogue to learn about the challenges and opportunities in which cooperation actions can be carried out.

With relatively new governments elected in both Canada and Mexico, the session represented the beginning of a new era for the Energy Working Group. The presence of Secretary Nahle throughout the session was a strong sign of Mexico's commitment to work with Canada on this issue.

II. Outcomes

Yiota Kokkinos, Director General for the International Affairs Branch of NRCAN gave an overview of Canada's energy resources and experience, noting that Canada's oil and gas reserves, as well as their hydroelectric and renewable energy production that makes them a world leader in energy. She gave a brief review of how energy is governed in Canada, as well as the federal government's priorities around energy and climate change, energy security, and technology and innovation. She also referred to Canada's efforts to improve environmental and regulatory decision-making on ensuring that indigenous peoples are consulted and properly involved in energy developments as a value that Canada and Mexico share. DG Kokkinos noted that the future energy policy direction of the Canadian government will continue to include a focus on the platform's commitment to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and lead Canada towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Jane Powers, Director of International Collaboration in the Strategic Policy and Innovation Section, gave an overview of the clean energy technology landscape in Canada, highlighting the need for a clean innovative economy that balances economic growth and environmental protection goals. Clean technology solutions are key to reducing green house gas emissions and environmental impacts. This session highlighted R&D collaboration between Canada and Mexico in areas of clean energy materials, carbon capture use and storage, and smart grids, and welcomed continued engagement.

Sandra Díaz, Commercial Officer of the Alberta Office in Mexico, highlighted the new government in Alberta and its priorities and interests in Mexico, focus on economic diversification by promoting investment, trade and cooperation in the energy sectors, agriculture and advanced technologies. She highlighted the pipeline infrastructure, storage, heavy oil, renewable energy and energy supply to remote communities as some of the priority areas for Alberta and welcomed the ongoing government-to-government commitment to support the objectives of the Mexican energy sector. Alberta's long-standing partnership commitment with Mexico includes the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SENER and the Alberta Ministry of Energy in 2016 to strengthen energy-related trade and investment between these two jurisdictions.

Two of Alberta's post-secondary institutions, the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, have offices in Mexico City and have actively collaborated with the Ministry of Energy of Mexico and the key academic institutions with the main energy programs. For his part, Scott McLean, Representative of the University of Calgary in Mexico, read a statement prepared jointly by UCalgary and UAlberta about the seven knowledge networks in which both universities are working with Mexican institutions.

On the Mexican side, Undersecretary Montoya mentioned that Mexico's energy policy during this administration has six objectives, 1) move towards self-reliance; 2) strengthen the State Productive Companies: PEMEX and CFE, to guarantee the production of energy goods and services in conditions that allow prices not to rise above inflation, this strengthening is also important to build technological developments for the technological transition under technological self-determination; 3) develop the science, technology, engineering and industry of capital goods and equipment that allow an orderly and accelerated process of energy transition; 4) promote the efficient use of energy; 5) reach 100% electrical coverage in the country, and; 6) consolidate the energy sector as a lever for national development.

III. Future activities

The Secretary of Energy, Rocío Nahle García, pointed out the following topics in which SENER recommends exploring concrete actions of collaboration with the Canadian government:

1. Renewable energy through technological and scientific cooperation with the National Institute of Electricity and Clean Energy (INEEL).
2. Attention to indigenous peoples and consultations with native peoples to respect their decisions and ways of organization.
3. Knowledge sharing for State Productive Companies: CFE and PEMEX.

Regarding these priorities for collaboration, the Secretary commented that the Mexican government will continue to review the suitability of the cooperation schemes to be carried out. The session was an extremely valuable exchange that allowed both Canada and Mexico to better understand each other’s perspectives as well as opportunities for further engagement.

Environment Working Group

I. Introduction and objectives

The Environment Working Group (EWG) of the Canada-Mexico Alliance is the main mechanism for the identification of issues of common interest in environmental protection and collaboration on bilateral initiatives.

The EWG met on November 27 and 28, 2019, with the objective of following up the activities of the 2019 Work Plan as well as identifying potential new areas for joint collaboration.

Seven priority issues were addressed: plastics and circular economy, water management, climate change, participation of indigenous peoples in environmental decision-making, biodiversity, regional cooperation in environmental protection, and natural protected areas.

Government officials from Canada and Mexico presented information for each topic and synergies were identified with a view to collaborate in multilateral and regional forums.

The meeting contributed to strengthening bilateral environmental relations, both at the federal, provincial or state level, and through collaboration with the civil society.

II. Results

The Environment Working Group met for a full day and half for discussions, focusing on updates on the ongoing work and identifying topics of mutual interest for future collaboration.

1. Plastics and Circular Economy

The subnational governments of Sonora (Mexico), Yucatán (Mexico) and Ontario (Canada) presented their initiatives on plastic management, recycling and circular economy. Canada provided a presentation on the upcoming World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) to be held in Canada in fall 2020.

2. Water Management

Canada’s Embassy to Mexico and Canadian NGO Waterlution described the first Water Innovation Lab (WIL), which took place in Monterrey, Mexico in September 2019. This meeting brought together 50 multidisciplinary experts and participants from 5 Latin American countries (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Chile, Venezuela and Mexico) and 14 states in Mexico to develop deeper and more nuanced understanding of water issues through experimental learning.

3. Climate Change

Mexico’s Agency for Security, Energy and the Environment (ASEA) and Mexico’s Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC) shared information on the new methane regulations in the petroleum and gas sector based on best international practices.

Canada provided an overview of recent and upcoming activities under the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) and Mexico reiterated his interest to maintain the co-chair of the initiative (with Canada).

As a follow-up of a 2013-2019 bilateral platform for cooperation on climate change, INECC proposed a new initiative on issues of capacity building in vulnerability evaluation and identification of climate change impacts on biodiversity.

4. Indigenous Participation in Natural-resources based projects

More than 60 participants attended the Regional Workshop on Indigenous Consultations in Natural Resource-based Projects that took place in Mexico City on November 25-26, including Mexican Congresswoman Irma Juan Carlos and Ambassador of Canada to Mexico Graeme C. Clark.

Representatives from the Mining and Environment Working Groups reflected on the outcomes of the workshop on indigenous consultations in natural resources based projects that took place on the margins of the 15th CMP, including:

• Discussions on recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights;
• Best practices for the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous communities;
• Methodologies, norms and procedures for consultation processes;
• Lessons learned from environmental and social impact assessments for mining and energy projects; and,
• Conflict resolution approaches in order to respect human rights.

5. Biodiversity

Mexico’s National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) presented a tool kit to assess the sustainability of productive projects from production stages to the final consumer. CONABIO offered the possibility for ECCC to consider adopting disseminating the tool kit in Canada and other countries by providing translation into English and French, and financing as required.

As a follow-up of previous bilateral cooperation on biodiversity, PROFEPA put forward a project proposal to strengthen capabilities for the inspection and monitoring of cross-border movements of protected wild species (DNA barcoding);

CONABIO indicated an interest to find synergies with other CMP Working Groups such as Forestry, Mining and Energy. A potential theme could be biodiversity mainstreaming.

6. Regional Cooperation on Environment

Canadian and Mexican officials shared their engagement and cooperation plans for the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region.

Highlights of their respective regional activities demonstrated the possibility to create synergies by combining our efforts in designing and implementing work plans in the LAC region.

7. Protected Areas

As part of the recently signed MoU on Conservation and Management of National Parks and other Protected Areas, CONANP and Parks Canada discussed the four areas of cooperation and potential initiatives under the work plan:

• Habitat restoration and conservation of endangered species (knowledge exchange on identification of threatened species);
• Climate Change (participation of Mexican representatives in a training course on “Climate Change and Biodiversity”);
• Environmental Awareness-raising and Education (joint initiative under #NatureForAll during the IUCN World Conservation Congress); and,
• Coastal and marine resources (side meeting on climate change and adaptation in coastal and marine protected areas on the margins of the CEC Workshop in January 2020).

CONANP and Parks Canada agreed to consider additional themes of cooperation under the MoU such as nature-based solutions and bioculturality.

Mexican NGO CEMDA presented the content of the four radio capsules under the project on “Radio Campaigns on Biodiversity in Natural Protected Areas”.

III. Future Activities

Based on the momentum created in this meeting, cooperation and joint collaboration on priority issues for environmental protection will continue.

As part of the 2020 Work Plan, the following actions and activities were identified for each of the seven bilateral priorities:

1. Plastics and Circular Economy

The Canadian Embassy agreed to liaise with SEMARNAT once agenda would be known to identify potential Mexican leaders in circular economy who could be invited to the upcoming WCEF in Canada.

Additionally, ECCC and SEMARNAT agreed to seek the possibility to develop cooperation on plastics between the state of Yucatan and the province of British Columbia. 

2. Water Management

A 2nd WIL will take place in early November 2020 in Mexico City. SEMARNAT indicated that they would explore the possibility to provide a venue for the event (according to the number of participants) and would coordinate with CONAGUA in terms of expertise and site visits.

A Global Innovation Lab will take place in Vancouver in September 2020 and Waterlution indicated their interest to invite Mexican participants, including Indigenous representatives.

3. Climate Change

SEMARNAT designated Yutsil Sanginés, DG Climate Change Policies as the Mexican co-chair and in this capacity, she will communicate with ECCC regarding ongoing cooperation under the GMI, including a potential call between the co-chairs.  

ECCC agreed to suggest potential multilateral funding options for the Mexican proposal on vulnerability evaluation and identification of climate change impacts on biodiversity, in addition to considering expert-level exchanges on these topics.

4. Indigenous Participation in Natural-resources based projects

Canada and Mexico expressed interest to pursue a dialogue on indigenous consultations next year. Both sides agreed to pursue internal consultations on:

• Developing a concept paper for a potential “real-life” case study with a Canadian extractive company operating in the territory of an Indigenous community in Mexico;
• Reviewing past recommendations and best practices provided during previous workshops; and,
• Proposing to the CMP co-chairs the establishment of an Indigenous Consultation Working Group.

5. Biodiversity

Canada agreed to consult experts from the Canadian Wildlife Services on both project proposals (toolkit and DNA barcoding).

ECCC and SEMARNAT also agreed to reach out to their counterparts in the Forestry, Mining and Energy Working Groups to seek interest for a potential joint session on biodiversity mainstreaming during the next CMP.

6. Regional Cooperation on Environment

ECCC and SEMARNAT agreed to strengthen coordination between the work pursued by Mexico under Environmental Sustainability Strategy of the Mesoamerican (upcoming work plan) and ECCC’s engagement plan for the Americas. Furthermore, Mexico indicated it would consider participating in the Wildland Fire Management Workshop in Costa Rica in February 2020, and an event at the OAS in March 2020, which will deal with plastics and healthy oceans.

7. Protected Areas

The Embassy of Canada in Mexico will organize an event in January 2020 to announce the newly signed MoU and launch the joint initiative on the ‘Radio Campaigns on Biodiversity in Natural Protected Areas’ with CONANP and CEMDA. Additionally, the Embassy of Canada in Mexico will work with CONANP to promote the radio campaigns initiative on social media and measure the impacts. 

Finally, SEMARNAT to seek the feasibility to promote the radio campaigns with Latin American and European stakeholders through the Euroclima+ initiative.

IV. Challenges and opportunities

Given the new permanent interlocutors in SEMARNAT and ECCC, the participants had a productive discussion and agreed to continue to strengthen the environmental cooperation between the two countries. In that sense, communication and coordination between both parties will be maintained to provide the proper follow-up.

The importance of promoting greater linkages between the Working Groups of the Canada-Mexico Alliance was underlined in order to avoid dispersion of efforts and strengthen synergies between them.

The proposal to develop a concept paper for a potential “real-life” case study with a Canadian extractive company operating in the territory of an Indigenous community in Mexico, garnered a particular amount of interest from both governments. This flagship initiative was welcomed by the co-leads of other working groups, and participants in the CMP- EWG indicated that it could exemplify a more concrete way forward to establish a fruitful bilateral cooperation on environmental issues.

The activities identified will contribute to the strengthening of institutional capacities to face emerging environmental and climate change challenges.

Mining working group

I. Introduction and objectives

The Mining working group meeting took place on October 21 in the port of Acapulco, Guerrero on the margins of the XXXIII International Mining Convention.

The Canadian delegation that attended this Canada-Mexico Partnership mining working group meeting included Natural Resources Canada, and the Embassy of Canada to Mexico. The Mexican delegation was comprised of the Secretary of Economy, the Mexican Geological Survey, and the Mexican Mining Fund. The private sector was represented by the Mexican Mining Association and the mining clusters from the states of Sonora and Sinaloa.

The discussion focused on topics that were addressed during the year: sustainable mining, inclusion, community relations, and communications.

II. Results

The following topics were discussed:

The challenges for the mining sector in Mexico, specifically the need for a state mining policy that provides access to land, security, strengthens community relations, and better communication with civil society, and ensures judicial certainty. The elaboration of guidelines and protocols for mining developed by the Secretary of Economy, and the challenges that the application of these guidelines present, including industry compliance. And, progress on the design of indigenous consultations.

Moreover, the Mexican experience on developing mining clusters as a driver for business, innovation, and the strengthening of local procurement and value chains was also discussed.

Mexican environmental law and its relation to green mining was explored, and some experiences on uses of alternative energies by Mexican mining companies were shared.

Some of the main challenges for the mining sector in both countries were raised, including social and environmental impacts of mining; the need for a transition towards advanced technologies and simultaneous effects of the substitution of human labour resulting from the use of new technologies and their potential social effects; management of key natural resources; the attraction of new generations of university students to the fields of earth sciences and other related degrees to develop a qualified and diverse workforce; the relationship with communities and the socialization of the benefits related to the mining industry.

Canada shared the objectives and progress to date of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan and Canada’s experience with programs such as the Crush It! Mining Challenge and the Mining Value from Waste program. Canada also presented on technologies to eliminate the use of cyanide from gold processing.

III. Future Activities

It was agreed to continue the collaboration and exchange of experiences with potential to be replicated in both countries.

Discussion and collaboration on topics related to indigenous consultations, sustainable mining, communication and socialization will also continue.

IV. Challenges and Opportunities

The adoption of advanced technologies in all phases of the mining cycle has the potential to bring important environmental and security enhancements, while also reducing the time required to transition from discovering during the exploration phase to production.

The efforts must be crosscutting, not only involving governments, but also industry and academia.

Explore possibilities of cooperation with other Canada-Mexico Partnership Working.