Trudeau pitches strong ties to Mexico's new leader Claudia Sheinbaum amid U.S. tumult

Mexico's election of its first female president could mean a stronger relationship with Canada, as analysts watch how Claudia Sheinbaum approaches civil rights and the possible return of former U.S. president Donald Trump.

«I think we'll see a friendly relationship,» said Carleton University professor Laura Macdonald, who specializes in Mexican politics.

«And if Trump is re-elected, I think Mexico and Canada will really need each other more than ever, in order to confront the bully in the North American relationship.»

Sheinbaum will replace Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in October. Both hail from the left-wing Morena party, which has focused on improving conditions for the poor while facing criticism over organized crime in the country.

A former climate scientist, Sheinbaum is the first Jewish leader of Mexico, and first came to prominence as mayor of Mexico City.

Trudeau spoke with Sheinbaum by phone Monday, and Ottawa's readout says «they committed to working closely to strengthen North American competitiveness» and bilateral ties.

Sheinbaum wrote on the platform X in Spanish that both agreed on «the multiple common interests between Mexico and Canada and the great opportunities to strengthen our relationship.»

The election comes three months after the Liberals reimposed a visa requirement for Mexican visitors over concerns that the 2016 lifting of the requirement led to a rise in ineligible refugee claims and human smuggling into the U.S.

In her victory speech, Sheinbaum promised to continue many of Lopez Obrador's policies, but to «respect business freedom and honestly promote and facilitate national and foreign private investment» into Mexico.

«She's probably less likely to engage in inflammatory rhetoric,» Macdonald said.

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