Businessmen in the US and Canada are concerned about judicial reform

Amid the debate over the judicial reform initiative, the American Chamber of Mexico (Amcham) warned that “when multiple voices are raised in a chorus of warnings, it is prudent to pay attention” because the changes could compromise compliance with the USMCA.

The US chamber said that “the convergence of diverse opinions on a risk is not mere coincidence, but an echo of shared experiences and knowledge. Our Chamber has thoroughly analyzed the Judicial Reform and has shared recommendations with the current governmentthe transitional government, and representatives of Congress.”

He explained that they agree with the United States ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, that the integration and prosperity of the two countries “requires legal certainty, judicial transparency and clarity in the application of the laws.” He added that “as companies invested in Mexico and generating millions of jobs for past and future decades, we see in the Reform of the Judicial Branch risks to its independence, and a potential delay in the professionalization of specialized justice, increased costs, reduced effectiveness of the judicial system and the creation of uncertainty for investment.” The chamber – which employs more than 10 million Mexicans – called for dialogue and a careful evaluation of the potential consequences of the reform.and offered to collaborate in “the creation of public policies that strengthen legal security and the competitiveness of Mexico.”

He explained that Annex 23-A of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where Mexico committed to having independent labor courts, and Chapter 31 on the use of alternative means of dispute resolution. These mechanisms are essential to resolve business conflicts efficiently and reduce the workload of the judicial system. The proposed changes could compromise compliance with the USMCA.

CANADA CONCERNED

For its part, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (Cancham) expressed concern in the Canadian business community about the initiative to reform the judiciary, as well as the proposal to eliminate autonomous bodies due to the negative consequences that this may have.

“The aforementioned reforms may have negative implications on certainty, transparency and professionalism in the management of the matters that these entities are responsible for,” he explained.

The House said it is fully prepared “to establish bridges of constructive and proactive dialogue with the current representatives and those appointed by the incoming federal government.”