Prime Minister Stephen Harper (centre), Mexican President Felipe Calderon (left) and United States President Barack Obama make their way to a joint news conference at the conclusion of the North American Leaders Summit Monday Aug.10, 2009, in Guadalajara, Mexico.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
If the assessment of a U.S. diplomat in Mexico is accurate, and Canada fears that "trilateralism comes at the expense of its bilateral relationship with the United States," its perception is badly distorted and indeed is potentially harmful to Canada's interests.
A policy of exclusion undervalues the importance of Mexico and could harm that vital relationship, but it also suggests a naiveté about dealings with Washington; the way to win U.S. attention is not to lock Mexico out, but to cultivate a special relationship with it.
Diplomatic cables from the U.S. embassy in Mexico released by Wikileaks reveal that Canadian politicians and diplomats prefer dealing with their American neighbours without Mexicans in the room. (The cable was intended for President Barack Obama ahead of the most recent round of "Three Amigos" talks.) The posture by Canada is at once precious and timid. Yes, the U.S. is preoccupied with Mexico, and not by its dealings with Canada - this especially given the security challenges posed by the drug cartels. That is not about to change, irrespective of whether Mexican officials are inside or outside the room.
But how does shutting out Mexicans strengthen Canada's hand? The opposite is true. Firstly, it risks damaging Canada's relationship with its third largest trading partner. Set aside the U.S. for a moment; relations with Mexico should be a priority for this country for its own sake. But a more nuanced view would also suggest that demonstrating more interest in Mexico would make Canada a more valuable ally of the U.S., given its fixation on the challenges and opportunities presented by Mexico.
As an example, easing two-way trade is a concern for Canada and the U.S., and is the subject of bilateral talks on perimeter security. Yes, Canada is entitled to sort out border arrangements with the U.S., but that should not preclude a more ambitious goal of easing continental trade. Canadian officials have warned that Mexico "may raise concerns about not being included in the vision." They are justified in doing so.
Rather than a competitor for U.S. attention, a special relationship with Mexico would make Canada a more indispensable partner for both. This is the foundation upon which NAFTA was based and, strategically, this is the best way ahead for Canadian diplomacy.