MEXICO IN THE LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM: QUESTIONS

Under "Renewing Partnerships in North America" in the Liberal Party Platform: "Building Canada’s relationships with Mexico is also vital. A neighbour and partner in North America, Mexico’s further success matters to Canada. We share a range of interests and opportunities including fighting protectionism, collaborating on climate change and supporting Mexico’s progress on domestic security. A Liberal government will also work with Mexico towards phasing out the visa requirement for Mexican citizens visiting Canada, while addressing Canada’s concerns regarding refugee claims" (p. 79).

Having returned from Mexico only a month ago, the country and its people are still very much on my mind. The Liberal Party platform came out yesterday, Sunday. There is a paragraph on Mexico in the section "Renewing Partnerships in North America." I am happy to see mention of Mexico and particularly happy to see the promise that when a Liberal government is in place there will be a phase out of the visa requirement for Mexicans.

A paragraph is much too brief for the potential importance Mexico has for the future of Canada and North American continent. I would want to hear more from Ignatieff, our candidate Peter Tinsley and other creators of the platform what is meant by the various "interests and opportunities" our nations share.

What is meant by the three points of interest: "fighting protectionism, collaborating on climate change and supporting Mexico's progress on domestic security"?

FIRST: Is "fighting protectionism" intended to address the American practice of not accepting Free Trade judgements when they go against American claims -- as in the softwood lumber controversy? Or is "fighting protectionism" intended to silence legitimate local concerns that environmental risks and social disruption be taken into consideration -- as in the ability of Canadian based mining companies to claim impunity in Canada for acts against Mexican citizens in their country? Witness the failure of Bill C-300.

SECOND: Is "collaborating on climate change" a platitude in place of specific action to protect and expand the remaining tropical rain forest and to facilitate alternative energy sources? Can both countries exercise discipline in the exploitation of oil and gas and reduce dependence on the petroleum industry and the petrodollar economy?

THIRD: What is meant by "supporting Mexico's progress on domestic security"? Does Canada support the effectiveness of security forces only to enable them to more efficiently suppress legitimate human rights' movements? Will the Liberal government give equivalent support to those who promote justice and human dignity on the North American continent?  [Having asked a question of Peter Tinsley on how to interpret this element in the Liberal platform his response was -- Any support for police professionalism in the "Canadian model" would also include support for human rights.]

The Liberal Party has concern for democracy, human rights, social and economic disparities here in Canada. If the concern is authentic it should not stop at our southern border. Canadians care about Mexico, winter in Mexico, marry Mexicans and have more and more trade with Mexico. Mexicans enhance the warmer dimensions of our soul.

Viva Mexico!  Viva Canada!