Canadian Senator Peter Michael Boehm Visits Mexico to Strengthen Economic Ties
Canadian Senator Peter Michael Boehm, the President of Canada’s Senate Committee on International Affairs, met with Mexican lawmakers to emphasize the importance of strengthening economic relationships with Mexico, Canada’s third-largest trading partner after the United States and China.
Canada’s Successful Seasonal Worker Program
Boehm highlighted Canada’s successful seasonal worker program, which is growing annually and aims to establish further connections with Mexico. However, he acknowledged some challenges faced by the program and mentioned that the Canadian government is actively addressing these issues, including a planned consultation on the program.
Worker Participation in T-MEC Review
Regarding the T-MEC, Boehm stressed that the worker sector should be involved in reviewing this trade agreement and consulted accordingly to gather all suggestions. He also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on separate trade agreements for Mexico and Canada, stating that the T-MEC is among the three nations and has been beneficial for all parties involved. Boehm advised against revising the entire document, warning that it would be a significant mistake.
Mexican Lawmaker Pedro Haces Barba Advocates for Worker Involvement
Pedro Haces Barba, a Mexican legislator from the Morena party, emphasized that workers are the driving force behind productivity. Consequently, their participation in reviewing the T-MEC is crucial, alongside business representatives.
“Workers are the backbone of productivity in such an important trade agreement, not just business representatives,” Haces Barba stated. He requested Boehm to convey the message about the importance of worker representation during T-MEC discussions, as only government officials and business representatives had been involved so far.
Tripartite Systems and T-MEC Review
During a press conference, Haces Barba stressed the significance of considering tripartite systems—comprising business leaders, workers, and governments—in the T-MEC review process.
40-Hour Workweek Proposal
When questioned about the potential reduction of the workweek to 40 hours, Haces Barba mentioned that discussions are ongoing with business associations, unions, and major national confederations. He assured that all voices would be heard in this gradual process, which will take place over the next five years and eventually become law.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of discussion? Canadian and Mexican lawmakers are advocating for worker involvement in the review of the T-MEC.
- Who is Canadian Senator Peter Michael Boehm? He is the President of Canada’s Senate Committee on International Affairs, visiting Mexico to strengthen economic ties.
- What is Canada’s successful program? Canada has a thriving seasonal worker program that Boehm highlighted during his visit.
- Why is worker participation in T-MEC review important? Workers are considered the driving force behind productivity, as stated by Mexican lawmaker Pedro Haces Barba.
- What is the stance on revising the entire T-MEC document? Boehm advised against it, warning that it would be a significant mistake.
- What is the proposed workweek reduction? Haces Barba mentioned a gradual transition to a 40-hour workweek over the next five years.
