As violence spreads across parts of Mexico, more than 26,000 Canadians have registered with the federal government for assistance, prompting Ottawa to deploy additional consular staff to support citizens on the ground.
Anita Anand told reporters in Ottawa that multiple consular officials are stationed in major centres across Mexico and remain on standby to assist Canadians. She urged all travellers to follow local authorities’ instructions, including shelter-in-place orders where advised.
The unrest erupted Sunday after reports that a major drug cartel leader was killed during a Mexican government operation. Authorities in several regions subsequently encouraged residents and tourists to remain indoors as violence intensified.
According to Global Affairs Canada, 26,305 Canadians had registered in Mexico as of 7 a.m. ET Monday — an increase of nearly 8,000 within 24 hours. The department acknowledged early technical issues that briefly prevented some Canadians from signing up for safety updates, but Anand confirmed those problems have now been resolved.
Two Canadians have requested assistance for injuries described as non-life-threatening, though officials have not clarified whether those injuries were directly linked to the violence. One additional Canadian has sought financial help, which Ottawa can provide in the form of emergency loans for travellers facing unexpected hardship.
While opposition parties are pressing the government to organize evacuation flights, Anand stated Canada is not currently planning evacuations and has not been asked by Mexico to provide military or emergency aid. She emphasized that the situation remains fluid and is being closely monitored.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong called on Ottawa to urgently coordinate with allies and Mexican authorities to ensure Canadian safety and explore evacuation options. Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe similarly urged the federal government to establish an emergency repatriation plan in collaboration with Mexico.
In Ontario, Doug Ford advised Canadians to reconsider travel to Mexico, suggesting domestic or alternative vacation destinations instead. His remarks sparked debate, particularly given previous criticism he faced over comments regarding U.S.-Mexico drug trafficking comparisons.
Anand said she had spoken with Mexico’s foreign minister, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, who indicated he expects conditions to stabilize in the coming days. She also noted that Canada was not given advance notice of the Mexican security operation that triggered the unrest.
Beyond Mexico, Anand confirmed that Ottawa is preparing an aid package for Cuba as it grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis linked to a U.S. oil blockade, though details have yet to be announced.
For now, Canadian officials continue to encourage travellers in Mexico to register with Global Affairs Canada, remain vigilant, follow local directives, and rely on official sources for accurate information as the situation unfolds.