Cuba urges Canada to maintain opposition to U.S. embargo ahead of UN vote

Analysis

Cuba has called on Canada to continue its public stance against the American embargo ahead of a United Nations vote next week. The annual motion, first introduced in 1992, calls for an end to the economic and financial blockade imposed by the United States. Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz expressed confidence that Ottawa would support the resolution as it has in previous years. He described the intensified U.S. measures as a blockade that is effectively killing people. The appeal comes amid increased American pressure on nations that back Cuba at the UN.

Ambassador Malmierca stated that Washington is threatening to restrict trade and aid access for countries that vote in favour of the motion. He acknowledged that Canada itself faces economic pressure from the Trump administration over its Cuba policy. The ambassador characterized the current U.S. campaign as particularly aggressive, targeting other nations to sway their votes. "This year is a particular moment because of all this aggressivity of the U.S. government against Cuba," Malmierca told The Canadian Press. He accused the U.S. of using threats in an offensive to influence the upcoming vote.

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Ottawa's Deliberate Stance

Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is still considering how to vote on the UN resolution. Department spokesperson Thida Ith said Canada's position is being reviewed in advance of the ballot. The statement also reiterated Ottawa's call for Havana to implement reforms respecting political and economic rights and to release political prisoners. Canada has consistently voted for the motion in the past, but abstained in July on a separate procedural vote to hold a debate on the embargo. That earlier abstention has led some advocacy groups to worry that Canada's support may be wavering.

The U.S. mission to the UN is actively lobbying against the Cuban motion. Ambassador Mike Waltz this week urged other nations to vote no, dismissing the resolution as propaganda meant to obscure corruption. He said Washington has been pressing European countries specifically to oppose it. "Do not let them abuse your vote for their oppression," Waltz said at an event on Monday. The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press.

Fuel Crisis and Human Rights Concerns

Cuba is grappling with a severe economic crisis marked by fuel shortages and frequent blackouts. The island produces only two-fifths of the fuel it requires, leading to cancelled airline flights and strained public services. Havana attributes these hardships to six decades of American sanctions. Independent human rights organizations, however, criticize Cuba's own government for systematic abuses including arbitrary detention and torture. The Cuban regime also restricts media and political opposition, according to reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Canada has pledged $13 million in humanitarian aid for the Cuban people, to be delivered through international agencies rather than directly to the government. Previous Canadian development projects have included funding for solar panels to reduce reliance on imported fuel. Ambassador Malmierca outlined 176 domestic reform measures he said would expand the private sector and attract foreign investment. He framed the national struggle as a defence of sovereignty. "The people are resisting because we are convinced that the most valuable thing we have is the independence, the sovereignty of Cuba. And we are not going to surrender that," he said.

Business Realities and Bilateral Talks

Internal Canadian government documents reveal the practical challenges facing bilateral relations. A briefing note prepared for a deputy minister's visit to Havana in February 2023 detailed meetings with three Canadian companies over unpaid bills from Cuban clients. The firms were identified as the National Bank, mining company Sherritt and the hotel chain Royalton, formerly Blue Diamond. Both Sherritt and Royalton have since ended their operations in Cuba, which Havana blames on U.S. pressure tactics.

The document noted that many Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises in Cuba face payment arrears that threaten their viability. It stated the goal of the meetings was to reassure the companies of government support without encouraging new investors who might not get paid. The briefing also highlighted a divergence in discussion topics between the two sides. Canadian officials wanted to raise human rights and support for private entrepreneurs, while their Cuban counterparts preferred to discuss tourism projects and increased development aid. The document suggested Ottawa could use Cuba's desire for more assistance as leverage in talks on other priorities.

With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and Global News