Pablo Lemus Navarro, Governor of the State, and Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, held a dialogue that resulted in shared intentions to strengthen culture, tourism, and economic development between both governments. The Memorandum of Understanding between Jalisco and Alberta was renewed, and the existing cooperation mechanisms in the bilateral relationship, which began more than two decades ago and has borne fruit in both regions, were strengthened.
“What you will find in our government is the promotion of investment and development, Mr. Ambassador. I hope we have the opportunity to meet many times (…). Truly, all of you can count on a friendly and supportive government,” said Lemus Navarro.
It should be noted that the meeting is taking place within the framework of the launch of the May 2025 Cultural Festival, which this year has Canada as the guest country and features a program that will showcase Canadian and local culture in the state’s main venues. This multicultural agenda will be offered from May 8 to 30, during which the Canadian Embassy and the Government of Jalisco strengthen ties of cooperation and friendship.
At this meeting, held at Casa Jalisco, both delegations laid the groundwork on topics such as investment opportunities in clean energy. They highlighted the joint collaboration between Mexico, Canada, and the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Governor Pablo Lemus emphasized the opportunity to share the experience Canada is developing in areas such as tourism and hospitality with visitors attending matches in this region.
“We would also like to learn about your experience, what you are working on, and share what we are working on to provide every opportunity for Canadians who want to come and watch the matches and then visit other cities,” Pablo Lemus stated.
Ajijic is home to the largest Canadian community in Mexico, and Jalisco is home to 237 Canadian-owned companies. Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, highlighted the important relationship between the city of Guadalajara and the Government of Jalisco, in a cooperation framework involving various Canadian provinces.
“We have important relationships between the federal governments; obviously, with the presence of Quebec and Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia have offices or representatives here in Mexico (…) We have very important subnational relationships, obviously with Jalisco and Guadalajara. I am very happy to be here to deepen our important relationships,” noted the Canadian Ambassador.
The visit to Casa Jalisco was made up of Frank Le, Canadian Consul in Guadalajara; Stéphanie Allard-Gómez, Delegate General of Quebec in Mexico; and Shannon McCharty, Representative of the Province of Alberta in Mexico. Also present were Maude-Emilie Theberge, First Counselor for Public Affairs and Cooperation of the Quebec Delegation in Mexico, and Luis Soto Uruñuela, Quebec Public Affairs and Relations Attaché in Jalisco.
Representing the State Government were Sergio Barrera Sepúlveda, Director General of International Affairs, Sergio Matos Uribe, Director General of Festival de Mayo, and state officials. At the end of the meeting, Pablo Lemus and Cameron MacKay recognized the work of the forest firefighters.
Paola Bauche Petersen, Secretary of Environment and Territorial Development, highlighted the work of the brigade, which last year comprised 102 Jalisco firefighters. The Governor also thanked the Canadian firefighters who strengthen the work during the dry season both in the State of Jalisco and in the Canadian provinces.
“We also want to acknowledge and thank you for the work you did there. Mr. Ambassador, this collaboration, which exists in the cultural sphere, in tourism, business, and the energy sector, also exists in environmental protection,” Lemus Navarro concluded.
Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, expressed his gratitude for the support and strengthening of this collaboration, which he hopes will continue to grow.
Source: jalisco.quadratin
