Mexico, December 2009
"A broad-based flow of people, ideas, cultures, goods and capital has developed between Canada and Mexico since we first established diplomatic relations sixty-five years ago.We are cooperating more and more and at all levels, in the areas of human rights, governance, the electoral system, parliamentary affairs, arts and culture, academia and the environment, not to mention security and the urgent need to establish joint strategies to counter the threat of sophisticated, organized crime networks that have spread across the entire continent and ravage our communities."
— Michaëlle Jean, December 8, 2009
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, undertook a State visit to the United Mexican States, from December 6 to 9, 2009.
While in Mexico, the Governor General gave a speech before the Senate that highlighted the importance of the relationship between Canada and Mexico in the North American context. Her Excellency also took part in a seminar on Canada-Mexico relations that addressed joint security in North America, cultural diversity and economic competition. Mexican university students, members of the Mexican Congress and Canadian academics all took part in this event. His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond also hosted an Art Matters forum. He was accompanied by Canadian Delegates to the National University of Mexico (UNAM) for a discussion on arts, new media and cultural diversity.
Art Matters on New Media and Cultural Diversity
Visit in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
December 8, 2009—His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond hosted an Art Matters Forum at the University Museum of Contemporary Arts, National University of Mexico (UNAM), in Mexico City.
His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond hosted an Art Matters forum. He was accompanied by Canadian Delegates to the National University of Mexico (UNAM) for a discussion on arts, new media and cultural diversity.
Mr. Lafond launched the discussion on the theme of the arts, new media and cultural diversity in his opening remarks addressed to panellists and students. He emphasized the importance of the arts as a key element in building a cultural identity in a society.
December 9, 2009 — The Governor General Meets with the Local Community
of San Cristóbal in Chiapas (Mexico).
On the final day of her State visit to the United Mexican States, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, went to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, where she met with citizens and representatives from five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to supporting women, youth and Indigenous groups in the region, among others. The projects from these organizations are funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
The discussion focused on the current situation of Indigenous women and youth in Chiapas, and the challenges they face.
