ONTARIO (NEWS 1130) – As we inch closer and closer to final approval for the new NAFTA, Mexican trade officials are in Ottawa as of Friday.
Mexican Undersecretary Jesus Seade sat with the prime minister before meeting with Canadian trade officials and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Based on the meetings so far, Mexican and Canadian leaders are giving some positive signs that ratification may be on the horizon.
At the start of Friday’s meeting, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau said he hopes they can soon push the new NAFTA across the finish line.
“Canada is extremely supportive of Mexico’s steps to labour reform,” he said.
The deal has been stalled in the U.S. as Democrats try to negotiate changes with the White House, which would see new labour standards for Mexico.
Seade said his country is in favour of what’s on the table, although he added more discussions need to be had.
“Many of the issue based by the Democrats are very valued and what is coming out to be is very good,” Seade said.
All three countries need to ratify the deal and so far Mexico is the only one to give it the green light.
However, if there are add-ons, all three countries would need to either reopen the agreement or approve a side letter.
