Canada announces C$12.1 million for Mexico, Latin America projects after bilateral talks

The announcement came after the two officials reviewed progress under the Canada-Mexico Action Plan (CMAP), a bilateral framework covering economic cooperation, trade, security, mobility and sustainability.

Anand said the funding would support initiatives to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, strengthen forensic identification efforts and expand the use of Canadian satellite technology to detect illegal fishing.

The package includes C$5 million for TURQUESA II, a project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL to enhance intelligence sharing and joint investigations against transnational criminal networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

Canada also announced a contribution to the U.N. Population Fund's Human Identification Programme, which supports efforts in Mexico to identify missing persons through technical and scientific assistance.

Photo: Roberto Velasco Alvarez/X

In addition, Anand said Canada would work with Mexico to expand access to its Dark Vessel Detection satellite programme, backed by a C$7 million Global Affairs Canada contribution, to help identify vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and protect marine biodiversity.

The ministers also discussed cooperation on North American trade, security and foreign policy priorities under the Canada-Mexico Action Plan, which both sides said has expanded collaboration on emergency preparedness, innovation, agriculture, energy, health and climate action.