MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, JANUARY 25, 2011 - Yesterday, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, met with her Mexican counterpart, the Honourable Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labour, to discuss a number of current and emerging labour issues facing both countries.
"We are proud of the partnership that we have established with Mexico, and we are committed to continuing our close relationship as we work to address common labour issues between our two nations," said Minister Raitt. "We intend to continue working together to develop strong labour standards that will increase economic performance and productivity."
Today's meeting was held in the context of the North American Agreement on Labour Cooperation. Under this agreement, a side agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Canada, the United States and Mexico work together to share best practices in the field of labour law, and to ensure the application of existing legislation to protect workers' rights.
The Government of Canada, through the Labour Program, manages Canada's international labour affairs and represents the country in international discussion of matters such as the elimination of forced labour and child labour, workplace health and safety, industrial relations and employment standards. The Labour Program also negotiates and implements labour cooperation agreements with Canada's free trade partners and represents Canadian interests in multilateral organizations dealing with labour issues, including the International Labour Organization.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant, Media Relations
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada
819-994-5559
