**”Mexico Will Never Be Less Than Canada”: Statement by Claudia Sheinbaum**
On December 2, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, firmly stated that “Mexico will never be less than Canada” following a dinner meeting between Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and US President-elect, Donald Trump. The meeting took place on November 29 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
During her morning press conference from the Treasury Hall of the National Palace, President Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s significant role in the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement (USMCA). She confidently asserted, “We won’t engage in provocations about which country is superior. Mexico deserves respect, especially from our trading partners. It is my duty and that of all Mexicans to uphold this. We are a country rich in culture and resources, and are addressing our challenges with a promising future ahead.”
Sheinbaum praised Mexico’s cultural heritage, particularly the country’s Indigenous communities, and reiterated that Mexico stands as an equal to Canada, albeit different. She noted, “Problems may vary between countries. Recently, it was revealed that Canada is facing a severe fentanyl consumption issue, especially in regions where its use has been liberalized, leading to serious problems. Meanwhile, Mexico maintains considerably lower levels of opioid addiction issues.”
Sheinbaum further emphasized that differences between countries do not equate to inequality, reaffirming that Mexico is not lesser in any way.
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**Secondary Article: The Fentanyl Crisis in Canada**
The fentanyl crisis in Canada has reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges for the nation’s public health system. According to recent reports, the liberalization of drug use in certain provinces has exacerbated the issue. In particular, British Columbia and Alberta have experienced a surge in opioid-related overdoses.
Authorities attribute the crisis to several factors, including the illegal distribution of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, often mixed with other substances. This mixture increases the risk of fatal overdoses. Canada has launched numerous initiatives to tackle the problem, such as increasing access to naloxone kits, enhancing public health awareness, and implementing stricter regulations on opioid prescriptions.
Despite these efforts, the country still struggles to alleviate the crisis entirely. The federal and provincial governments continue to seek effective measures to address the growing need for intervention strategies. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaboration between health services, law enforcement, and community organizations to curb fentanyl-related fatalities across the nation.