Canada’s Trade Push to Mexico Faces Mining Backlash
As a massive delegation hunts for deals in agriculture, clean tech, and manufacturing this week, questions linger over Canadian mining companies’ controversial track record in Mexico, from environmental spills to community conflicts and cartel-linked dangers.
A Canadian trade mission to Mexico this week is shining a spotlight on what Canadians really want from their southern partner: fresh markets, solid deals, and ways to spread out trade risks.
From February 15 to 20, 2026, Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is fronting this massive Team Canada effort. More than 370 people from over 240 organizations, including 200-plus businesses, are in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. It’s one of the biggest trade groups Canada has ever sent to Mexico, and the vibe is all about turning talks into real wins.
Canadians are hungry for more exports and tougher supply chains. Mexico sits as our third-biggest goods trading partner, with trade already in the tens of billions. But right now, only a small slice of Canada’s exports head there, so there’s plenty of room to grow. Diversifying feels smart with U.S. trade questions floating around and the CUSMA review on the horizon.
Top of the list is agriculture and agritech. Mexico’s expanding middle class craves Canadian grains, oilseeds, meats, processed foods, and niche items. Easy shipping thanks to proximity and free trade rules makes it a no-brainer.
Clean tech and energy grab attention too. Mexico is going green, so Canadian know-how in renewables, efficiency, water treatment, and wastewater fits perfectly.
Advanced manufacturing is another big draw. Mexico’s a global hub, and Canadians want in with high-tech parts, skills, and joint ventures that help everyone.Info and comms tech, plus creative digital media and content, round it out. Canadian innovators aim to show off and land contracts.
This builds on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip last fall, launching a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for a stronger, more resilient North America. It’s geared toward long-haul gains through B2B meetings, market know-how, and hopefully deals by early spring.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce ran a side delegation too, zeroing in on small and medium businesses in mining, energy, transportation, life sciences, and beyond. They want practical chances to grow.
But mining ties come with some baggage. Canadian companies have faced criticism over practices in Mexico, including environmental damage like water contamination, toxic spills, and land disruption from open-pit operations. Reports point to human rights issues, such as union busting, community displacement, and links to violence or threats in conflict zones. A recent case involved a Vancouver-based firm where workers were kidnapped amid cartel turf wars, sparking questions about labor conditions and security. Critics say some firms exploit weak oversight, though companies often deny wrongdoing and stress compliance.
Overall, Canadians want dependable trade buddies to create jobs at home and keep things steady. This week’s push could turn those goals into concrete partnerships soon.
