With Trump Threatening Nafta, Canada Opens Its Doors to Mexicans
- Trudeau lifts visa requirement that strained ties since 2009
- Barrier could still be reimposed if refugee claims surge
Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, right, and Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexico's president, in Ottawa, on June 28, 2016.
Photographer: Cole Burston//BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Canada has lifted visa requirements for visitors from Mexico in a bid to boost tourism and investment -- with a caveat that could see the barrier reimposed as Donald Trump’s election threatens to shake up North America.
The visa rule was imposed in 2009 to stem a spike in refugee claims, becoming a thorn in bilateral ties and cutting the number of total Mexican visitors to Canada by two thirds. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a resolution during President Enrique Pena Nieto’s visit to Ottawa in June, and details have since emerged ahead of Thursday’s implementation date.