Short-Term Visas and Trade Routes Top Agenda

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said expanding short-term work visas for Mexicans and boosting ocean trade routes with Canada are top priorities as she welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney in Mexico City.

The two leaders are navigating growing trade challenges tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda.

Strategic Partnership Agreement

Sheinbaum confirmed both countries want to strengthen the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) while deepening bilateral ties.

During Carney’s visit, the two leaders were expected to sign a strategic partnership agreement covering:

• Infrastructure

• Trade

• Health

• Agriculture

• Security

• Emergency preparedness

Canadian officials said the pact reflects Ottawa’s push to diversify trade amid U.S. pressure.

High-Level Delegations

Carney’s delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Parliamentary Secretary Rachel Bendayan.

The leaders planned one-on-one talks, a working lunch with ministers, and meetings with business leaders to boost investment.

Security talks were also scheduled to address drug and firearm trafficking and improve coordination against organized crime.

Competition in U.S. Market

Experts note Canada and Mexico have often acted as competitors for U.S. market share, especially in the automotive sector, where Washington’s tariffs aim to pull manufacturing back into the U.S.

Diplomacy professor Solange Marquez said:

“Both countries are trying to be closer to Washington rather than each other.”

Mining, Energy, and Climate Policy

Sheinbaum stressed that Canadian mining companies must follow Mexico’s environmental rules.

While both leaders have climate backgrounds, experts say climate policy is unlikely to dominate the agenda. Energy and renewables, however, may be discussed as part of trade and investment opportunities.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Sheinbaum is balancing relations with China, having recently imposed tariffs on Chinese cars under U.S. pressure. Analysts note Mexico has not yet gained clear benefits from Washington in return.

Canada cites $56 billion in two-way trade (2024) and $46.4 billion in Canadian investment in Mexico as proof of a growing relationship.

A new North American leaders’ summit is not planned, as all three countries show limited interest following political upheavals in recent years.

Canada is turning away a growing number of asylum-seekers at its border with the United States under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), new data shows. Lawyers warn that some eligible claimants are being wrongly denied entry, raising serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

Record Turnbacks in 2025

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that 3,282 people were turned back in the first eight months of 2025, compared with 2,481 in the same period of 2024.

• In July 2025, Canada returned 789 people — the highest monthly total in over a decade.

• The STCA, expanded in 2023, requires asylum-seekers to apply in the first safe country they enter, unless they qualify for exemptions.

A CBSA spokesperson declined to comment on the reasons for the increase.

U.S. Deportation Risks

Once returned, asylum-seekers fall under U.S. authority. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that if claims fail and home countries refuse re-entry, individuals may face deportation to third countries.

Assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:

“If their home country will not take them, we will make arrangements for them to go to another country.”

Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has prioritized faster deportations, including removals to third countries.

Cases Raise Legal Concerns

Lawyers point to recent cases where eligible claimants were wrongly denied entry into Canada:

• Rahel Negassi, a 50-year-old Eritrean nurse, was initially turned back despite DNA proof of a brother in Ontario. She was detained for two months in Texas before re-entering Canada after an appeal.

• A stateless Palestinian was also denied despite his eligibility under the agreement.

Lawyer Heather Neufeld said:

“The stakes have become so high. If someone is returned, detention is more likely than not.”

Broader Implications

The increase in turnbacks underscores the legal and humanitarian challenges at the Canada–U.S. border. Critics argue Canada may be violating its asylum commitments by denying entry to eligible claimants.

The CBSA has said its role ends once asylum-seekers are handed over to U.S. authorities.

Canada and Mexico Meet as U.S. Reviews CUSMA

Prime Minister Mark Carney met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City on Thursday. The visit happened while the United States started its review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The U.S. Trade Representative opened a 45-day consultation and scheduled a November hearing. Experts believe this means Washington may renegotiate the deal instead of simply reviewing it. As a result, both Canada and Mexico are preparing to defend their trade interests.

Canada Faces Economic Pressure

Canada’s economy shrank 1.6% in Q2 2025 due to U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos. Therefore, Carney is turning to Mexico to reduce reliance on the American market.

Mexico is Canada’s third-largest trading partner. In fact, the two countries exchanged $56 billion in goods last year.

A New Strategic Partnership

During his 36-hour trip, Carney and Sheinbaum held one-on-one talks. Later, they joined ministers for a working lunch. They also signed a new strategic partnership to allow regular high-level contact between the two governments.

In addition, Carney toured a Canadian Pacific Railway terminal to highlight wheat exports. He also hosted a reception for Canadian and Mexican business leaders. This was the first Canada–Mexico meeting without U.S. involvement since 2017.

Calls to Align Interests

Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, said Canada should align with Mexico during CUSMA talks.

“canada must show itself as a strong place for mining, energy, and port investment,” he explained.

Trade lawyer John Boscariol added that Canada makes up only 5% of Mexico’s trade. However, he argued Mexico is still the “natural next best partner after the U.S.” He highlighted auto parts and potash as key export opportunities.

Obstacles Ahead

Analyst Duncan Wood warned that Canada and Mexico may compete for U.S. attention.

“It will be hard for them to find common ground. Each country wants special treatment from Washington.”

Meanwhile, Wood said Carney and Sheinbaum should align policies on China. On the other hand, if they fail to do so, their bargaining power in Washington could weaken.

“What really matters in Washington is whether Canada and Mexico can help the U.S. in its competition with China.”