The popularity of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declined due to issues related to Mexico, such as migration and fentanyl trafficking, which are being leveraged by his political rivals. Trudeau also faces internal challenges, as two Canadian provincial leaders, the premiers of Alberta and Ontario, have suggested that Mexico be excluded from the USMCA, causing tensions in bilateral relations.
The head of government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, will meet in Rio de Janeiro with Trudeau in an important bilateral meeting to address these issues and seek his support to prevent attacks against Mexico in the upcoming elections. Sheinbaum aims to follow a strategy similar to that used in the U.S. elections, where Donald Trump was asked not to be aggressive toward Mexicans. This strategy is especially relevant given the electoral campaign in Canada.
One of the key topics on the agenda of the meeting will be concerns regarding Canadian investment in Mexico due to judicial reform, especially in sectors such as gas, electricity, and mining, which are regulated by the Mexican government. Trudeau shares the concern about hurdles to Canadian investment in the energy sector, as he believes that Mexico is harmed by limiting these investments.
A critical point in the discussions will be Mexico's position regarding the Constitution and international agreements. Canada perceives that Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador places absolute priority on the Mexican Constitution but neglects the importance of fulfilling the country's international commitments.
