September 8, 2014 |Mexico City |Press Release 386
The Undersecretary for North America, Sergio Alcocer, held a coordination meeting with the Mexican consuls in Canada to promote the effective continuity of the actions taken by Mexico's consular network in that country.
During the meeting, which was also attended by Ambassador Francisco Suárez Dávila, the Mexican consuls exchanged best practices for the implementation of steps to modernize the consulates, which will provide better service to the Mexican community in Canada and to Canadians who visit Mexico. They also reviewed issues related to consular assistance and protection, including the mechanisms that ensure respect for the rights of Mexicans abroad.
They specifically referred to the important work done by the consulates to protect the rights of our citizens taking part in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP). In addition, they discussed the priority lines of action to boost the competitiveness of North America.
They evaluated schemes and opportunities for cooperation in education, research and innovation between institutions in both countries. The consuls stressed the importance of student mobility in these efforts and the cooperation of civil society actors and the private sector in bilateral projects.
They identified opportunities to promote Mexican culture and Mexico’s tourist attractions in Canada. One important event is "Mexico Day" in Montreal, which highlights the country’s traditions, gastronomy and new artistic trends. There is also Mexico Week in Calgary; Mexico Fest in Vancouver; the On Sparks Mexican Fiesta in Ottawa and Mexico’s presence in the next Pan American Games in Toronto.
In this context, Undersecretary Sergio Alcocer and Ambassador Francisco Suarez Dávila inaugurated the new premises of the Mexican consulate in Calgary and an exhibit of Huichol art collected by Rosa María Thomson, a Mexican resident in that city. The new, more spacious and modern facilities reflect the Foreign Ministry’s commitment to provide better services and to encourage and strengthen promotionefforts on behalf of Mexico’s interests.
Canada is our third largest trading partner. Last year, bilateral trade exceeded USD 35 billion. With six consulates, Mexico’s second largest consular network worldwide is in Canada. More than 96,000 Mexicans live in Canada, making it the second largest community of Mexicans abroad.