A Mexican lawmaker says misreported changes to Canada’s travel advisory were used to target President Claudia Sheinbaum amid rising security tensions.
Mexican Lawmaker Says Canada Advisory Fueled Political Attacks
Political Context Drives Reaction
A senior lawmaker from Mexico’s governing Morena party says misleading reporting on a Canadian travel advisory update has been weaponized to politically attack President Claudia Sheinbaum. Deputy Maribel Solache González argued this week that opposition groups amplified incorrect information to fuel a narrative of worsening national insecurity.
How the Advisory Shifted
Global Affairs Canada adjusted its Mexico travel advisory on Nov. 13, easing risk levels in parts of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, while leaving the rest of the long-standing guidance unchanged. Despite this, Mexican media outlets circulated reports claiming Canada had issued a sweeping new warning covering 13 states—an interpretation Canadian officials did not support.
Why the Issue Escalated Now
The confusion erupted days after a major anti-government protest ended violently, as demonstrators expressed frustration over public-safety concerns. Tensions were already high following the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the outspoken mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, whose killing sparked widespread demonstrations.
Government Response and Diplomatic Questions
President Sheinbaum said her administration would seek clarification from the Canadian Embassy, noting that the advisory “doesn’t count for much” given an 11% increase in Canadian tourism to Mexico this year. Global Affairs Canada declined to comment on any diplomatic exchanges, while Mexico’s foreign ministry provided no response to media inquiries.
Opposition Lawmakers Cite Security Failures
Opposition parties rejected suggestions of political manipulation, insisting the advisory reflects real security threats. Deputy Mario Zamora Gastélum of the PRI said violence in Sinaloa remains severe, with thousands killed or missing over the past year. A recent survey showing widespread fear in Culiacán, he said, underscores the urgency of the situation.
Regional Safety Concerns Intensify
Members of Mexico’s National Action Party (PAN) also criticized the federal security strategy, pointing to expanding violence in several states, including Jalisco—where Canada has long warned against travel within 50 kilometres of the Michoacán border. PAN Deputy Paulina Rubio Fernández said federal inaction has allowed violence to deepen.
Tourism Industry Pushes Back
In Guerrero state, tourism leaders urged Canada to reconsider its position entirely. Francisco Aguilar Ordóñez, who heads a hospitality association in Acapulco, said Canadians remain welcome and safe, adding that economic recovery relies on restoring visitor confidence.
