A member of Mexico’s ruling party has criticized local media for using a revised Canadian travel advisory to target Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The update by Global Affairs Canada on November 13 focused on reducing the threat level in specific areas of Mazatlán on the Pacific Coast, while the rest of the advisory remained unchanged. However, local media incorrectly reported that Canada had issued a new travel warning for 14 states and Mexico City, sparking a wave of coverage throughout the week.
The news stories emerged following an anti-government protest in Mexico City on November 15, where concerns about rising insecurity were a primary issue. The demonstration, led by Generation Z groups, turned violent when protesters clashed with riot police near the National Palace. The incident occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of Carlos Manzo, an anti-cartel mayor in Michoacán, which led to widespread protests in the state.
Deputy Maribel Solache González of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena) accused opposition parties of exploiting security concerns to criticize the government, fueled by the Canadian travel advisory. Morena currently holds majorities in legislative bodies and most state governorships, having won the last two presidential elections.
President Sheinbaum stated that her government would seek clarification from the Canadian Embassy regarding the advisory, emphasizing that such warnings do not significantly impact tourism, with a reported 11% increase in Canadian visitors to Mexico this year. It remains unclear if Mexico officially requested clarification from Canada.
Opposition lawmakers, however, argued that the Canadian advisory reflects the country’s reality. Deputy Mario Zamora Gastélum, representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), criticized Morena’s security efforts in Sinaloa, highlighting ongoing violence and disappearances in the region. The Canadian advisory cautions against non-essential travel to parts of Sinaloa, advising heightened caution in specific areas of Mazatlán.
Deputy Paulina Rubio Fernández of the National Action Party (PAN) criticized the federal government’s security strategy, pointing to growing violence in states and a lack of effective containment measures. The advisory also warns against travel near Jalisco’s border with Michoacán.
In response, Francisco Aguilar Ordóñez, representing Acapulco’s hospitality sector, called for a complete retraction of the Canadian advisory, emphasizing the safety and support offered to Canadian visitors in the region.
