Mexican consul hopes for new deal
‘NAFTA has worked well,’ says Acero of trade agreement under negotiation
With more than 6,000 Mexican citizens living/working in the local agricultural industry and significant partnerships between Mexican companies and area automakers, the Canada-U.S. NAFTA talks are more than a spectator sport for Alberto Bernal Acero.
The Mexican consul spent the day at his Leamington office wondering what the fallout would be from Friday’s discussions in Washington. “All of us are curious and hoping for the best for all three countries,” said Acero, who has served as consul in Leamington for four years. “NAFTA has worked well.” With Mexico having already agreed to the framework of a deal with the U.S., the failure of talks would largely affect Mexico’s Canadian trading relationship. Those bilateral talks will resume Wednesday. Fortunately for the local agricultural industry, NAFTA has no direct effect on Mexican workers employed by area greenhouses and farmers.
“They’re here on a separate program that predates NAFTA to 1974,” Acero said.
“The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program has been beneficial to both countries. It solved the labour shortage for Canada and it provides opportunities for those living in the rural areas of Mexico to come to Canada to work. “This program has its own dynamic that’s worked for a long time.”
However, Acero concedes his worry is more about maintaining access to the U.S. market for both the greenhouses and the auto industry.
Mexican greenhouse operators have some significant interests in Essex County in companies such as Sunrise Farms.
In the auto industry, several local firms have plants in Mexico or Mexican companies have partnerships with local companies. “It’s hard to say,” Acero said of whether he was optimistic an accord could be reached between Canada and the U.S. “We have to be cautious about that. We hope it works out.”
Acero hopes that if there’s a failure to reach a trilateral agreement, it won’t hinder the rebuilding of Canada-Mexico relations after some difficult years.
“The relations between Mexico and Canada, in general, were left behind for a few years not just because of NAFTA.” Acero said. “In recent times they were recovering and given a breath of fresh air. The idea is to keep improving our relationship with Canada.” What put those relations in the dumpster was Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to require Mexican citizens to get visas to visit Canada. “The reality was things were a little cold in the relationship during the visa thing,” Acero said. “When the visa requirement was discontinued in 2015-16, it was a new stage in relations. Mexican tourism to Canada has increased significantly since then.” Acero said Mexico and Canada also share a lot of similar views in terms of culture and global politics. He said the NAFTA negotiations have enhanced relations between the two countries. “(Canadian Foreign) Minister Chrystia Freeland’s team and our negotiating team have become quite close,” Acero said. “Regardless of what happens (Friday), we have to keep that relationship strong.” Acero and the 10-member consulate hope to strengthen the ties between Mexican citizens and the local community during the Sept. 15 celebrations of Mexico becoming an independent nation in 1810. Acero is inviting the public to join them from 5-11 p.m. at the consulate at 350 Highway 77 in Leamington for “Noche Mexicana,” which is that nation’s largest annual patriotic celebration.
There will be food, fireworks and live music with the consulate bringing in band Real Banda and the musical youth ensemble Son Lince from Mexico. Detroit-based mariachi singer Beatriz Montes will also appear at the event.
“We have a couple surprises up our sleeve and some prizes,” Acero said. “Mexican people are grateful to those who show us kindness and we want to say thank you to our hosts for allowing us to be guests in this country.”
There is no admission charge and the family-focused event will be alcohol-free.