Carney Faces Pressure to Send Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid US Sanctions
The federal government is facing increasing pressure to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba as the Caribbean nation struggles with severe shortages following tightened restrictions imposed by the United States. This comes as Mexico recently demonstrated international solidarity by sending substantial assistance to the island.
Mexico Leads with Substantial Aid Package
Last week, Mexico dispatched two naval vessels carrying 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba. The shipments included essential food items and personal hygiene products, providing critical support to a population facing growing scarcity. This action has prompted calls for Canada to follow suit with similar assistance.
Political Pressure Mounts in Ottawa
The federal New Democrats are urging the Canadian government to provide support to Cuba. NDP interim leader Don Davies recently addressed the House of Commons, calling for humanitarian assistance. In correspondence with media outlets, Davies referenced Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent World Economic Forum speech, where Carney urged middle powers not to remain silent in the face of "economic intimidation."
"In my view," Davies stated, "this means calling out superpower intimidation consistently, whether it is Russia, China or the U.S."
Davies argues that the American embargo against Cuba is illegal, noting that Canada has consistently voted against it at the United Nations. "My call for aid to Cuba is consistent with that long-standing position," he emphasized.
However, Davies expressed frustration with the government's response, stating he has "not had any response from PM Carney." He added, "This, in addition to Mr. Carney's lack of action thus far, is evidence his Davos speech was more rhetoric than reality."
Bloc Québécois Adds to Pressure
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet confirmed he raised the issue of Cuban aid during a meeting with the prime minister last week. "I asked the prime minister to follow Mexico's example and come to the aid of the Cuban people, whose living conditions are rapidly deteriorating due to the American embargo," Blanchet told Canadian Press.
Government Focuses on Canadian Safety
Instead of prioritizing humanitarian aid, Global Affairs Canada has issued travel advisories warning Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba due to shortages in fuel, electricity, food, and medicine. The federal department notes that approximately 7,200 Canadians were registered in Cuba as of early February 2026.
Global Affairs Canada is primarily focused on ensuring the safety of Canadian citizens and facilitating their return home. The department stated, "Canadian airlines will facilitate the return of their clients currently in Cuba and are reaching out directly to them. Confirm your return flight details and avoid extending your stay in Cuba."
Transportation Crisis Deepens
The Cuban government has warned international airlines that they can no longer refuel at Havana's main airport due to the American blockade of incoming oil. This has forced commercial airlines, including Air Canada, to suspend regular flights to the island.
Air Canada is now sending empty flights to Cuba specifically to retrieve approximately 3,000 customers currently stranded there. These special flights will carry extra fuel to ensure sufficient supply for return journeys, as refueling in Cuba is no longer possible.
Root Causes of the Crisis
Cuba attributes the current fuel shortage and resulting humanitarian crisis to the United States' January takeover of Venezuela's oil reserves. The impact has been severe, with large tourist resorts shutting down and daily life becoming increasingly difficult for Cuban citizens.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs against any country selling or providing oil to Cuba, further complicating international efforts to assist the island nation. The executive order signed by Trump allows the United States to impose tariffs on countries engaging in oil trade with Havana.
The combination of these factors has created a perfect storm of scarcity in Cuba, prompting international calls for humanitarian intervention as political pressure mounts on the Canadian government to take decisive action.
