Global Affairs Canada/Affaires Mondiales Canada was suddenly thrust into the spotlight this week as it supported Canadians caught up in the eruption of violence in Mexico’s Jalisco state (including Puerto Vallarta) after a leading cartel figure was killed by Mexican government forces. But what exactly does/can Global Affairs really do?
The government department encourages citizens who are travelling to register as a Canadian abroad, for free, so Ottawa can notify them of potential emergencies at their destination and communicate important information amid a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Beyond that, however, don’t expect too much to come of the service, says travel expert Barry Choi.
“It really doesn’t do a whole lot. It just lets the government know that you’re there,” he said. “If you registered thinking someone’s going to come to your hotel and deliver groceries to your door because the grocery stores are burned up, that’s not happening. Or if you were thinking that they’re going to extract you personally – not going to happen.”
Notably, travellers do not need to register to receive consular services.
In Mexico, Global Affairs said more than 55,000 Canadians in Mexico registered their names.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said those who did would receive the latest information available – and at the same time avoid being deceived by misinformation circulating on social media.
“We have multiple consular officials at the major centres. They are all standing by ready to assist Canadians,” Anand said of the situation in Jalisco.
Of course, Global Affairs can only be as responsive as the information it receives, with Anand stating that Mexican authorities did not inform her of its security operation ahead of time.
“I was not provided with any indication that this particular operation would be taking place, and on my understanding, I believe that the Government of Canada was not provided with (an) indication that it was going to occur,” she said. “It is always helpful for us to know more in order to support Canadians.”
To register when travelling, go HERE.
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