The US, Canada and Mexico should collaborate on upskilling workers
Wilson Center
Though the pandemic brought much hardship to the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it also sparked innovation and adaptation to keep markets and supply chains open and to support workers. However, for the economies of these countries to revive, remain competitive and prosper in the new economy that is emerging around the globe, North America’s trade partners need to collaborate on upskilling workers.
They can build out from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), which is just kicking into gear at one year, and with the momentum of the Biden administration, which is endorsing this priority at home and proposing a $48 billion investment in U.S. workers as part of its jobs plan. But workers must be a joint North American focus to increase competitiveness for all three countries against China and other economic powerhouses. North America’s governments and private sector should collaboratively expand investment in the continent’s workforces, as a new Wilson Center paper argues.
About the Author
Earl Anthony Wayne
Former Career Ambassador to Afghanistan, Argentina, and Mexico; Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University
Mexico Institute
The Mexico Institute seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship. A binational Advisory Board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversees the work of the Mexico Institute. Read more
