Mexico: Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Mexico Dept: It was among eight countries added Thursday to a controversial list now used by immigration officials to fast-track certain refugee claims, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird was in Mexico Thursday and informed his counterparts of the changes and oTTAWA -- Mexico, a country currently in the throes of an epidemic of drug-related violence, is no longer considered by Canada to be a genuine source of refugees. The move could be seen as the first step toward lifting visa requirements for Mexican citizens seeking to come to Canada, as promised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last fall upon the visit of Mexico's new president. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.