Havana is asking Ottawa to maintain its public opposition to the long-standing U. S. embargo as Washington increases pressure on nations that support Cuba.
“We are confident that Canada will stay with us, as they have done in the past,” Cuban Ambassador to Canada Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz told The Canadian Press.
“The blockade and this intensification is, in practice, killing people.”
The United Nations is scheduled to vote next week on a resolution that Cuba has introduced almost every year since 1992. It demands an end to “the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.”
Canada has supported this motion several times.
The administration of U. S. President Donald Trump has been attempting to overthrow Cuba’s Communist government through a de facto oil blockade. Washington stopped Venezuelan shipments in January and has warned it might impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island nation.
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Washington claims Cuba represents a national security threat to the United States. Malmierca stated that the Caribbean nation is being collectively punished by an American pressure campaign that harms the health and education of Cubans.
An economic crisis has taken hold in Cuba since 2020, leading to significant shortages and severe blackouts that escalated after January’s fuel blockade.
Havana argues that its economic challenges arise from six decades of American sanctions, but critics highlight the inefficiency of its Communist regime. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International allege that Cuba’s government engages in arbitrary arrests, tortures political prisoners, and restricts media and political parties.
Cuba produces only 40 percent of the fuel it requires. Shortages have resulted in frequent blackouts that threaten healthcare systems and cripple the island’s economy. Air Canada and other airlines canceled flights to Cuba in February due to aviation fuel shortages.
Ottawa has committed $13 million in humanitarian aid for Cubans via international organizations – not through the Cuban government. Previous Canadian development funding focused on initiatives like solar panels aimed at reducing reliance on foreign fuel for the island.
Laura Mendoza, who runs the ‘Medicine Is Not for Sale’ community project, stands in front of a shelf stocked with medicine donated by humanitarian groups for free distribution in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo via The Canadian Press
“The people are resisting because we are convinced that the most valuable thing we have is independence, sovereignty of Cuba. And we are not going to surrender that,” Malmierca said.
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“We would like to have a normal relationship with the U. S. We are ready for dialogue.”
Malmierca noted countries supporting Cuba have informed Havana they’re being warned by Washington their access to American trade or aid could be limited if they continue backing UN motions aimed at ending the blockade.
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Malmierca mentioned that Cuba is “not naive” and understands Canada faces its own economic pressures from Trump’s administration.
“This year is a particular moment because of all this aggressivity of the U. S. government against Cuba,” he explained. “They are in a kind of offensive with other countries trying to influence them into changing their votes. We know they are using threats.”
The Canadian Press reached out to the U. S. State Department for comment but didn’t receive any response.
This week, U. S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz urged countries not to support the motion while dismissing it as a result of “70 years of propaganda” intended to distract from corruption within Havana. He mentioned Washington’s efforts lobbying European nations against supporting this resolution.
“Do not let them abuse your vote for their oppression,” he stated during an event he hosted Monday. “Do not give in to this lie.”
A statement from Global Affairs Canada indicated it’s still considering how it will vote on next week’s UN motion.
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“As with all UN resolutions, Canada’s voting position is being considered ahead of time,” wrote spokesperson Thida Ith.
“Canada continues calling for necessary reforms from the Cuban government respecting political and economic rights for Cuban citizens while also urging for all political prisoners’ release.” p >
In July , Havana requested a UN debate regarding America’s embargo within context regarding its fuel crisis. Washington argued holding such debates wastes resources when similar discussions had already occurred nine months earlier , insisting any decision about whether or not hold another debate should go up for recorded vote. p >
That vote passed , leading into further discussions. Among thirty abstaining countries during those debates was Canada. p >
More on Politics More videos p >
Civil society organizations like Canadian Network on Cuba express concerns over Ottawa potentially stepping back from engagement with Cuba. p >A boy runs balancing a table on his head during heavy rains in Havana , Wednesday , Sept. 23 , 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo via The Canadian Press
A document obtained by The Canadian Press through freedom-of-information shows Ottawa had candid conversations with officials about liquidity issues before Trump heightened pressure against their Communist regime.
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The document – which served as briefing material prepared by Global Affairs intended deputy minister – highlighted meetings held between three firms based out Ontario visiting Havana last February discussing unpaid debts owed by Cuban clients.
The aim meeting involved reassuring these companies Ottawa “has their back.. without unduly encouraging new investors traders risking payment owed goods services.”
Companies mentioned include National Bank , mining company Sherritt hotel chain Blue Diamond (currently Royalton) none responded when asked if they still maintain accounts overdue Cubans.
Both Sherritt Royalton ceased operations inside country blaming withdrawal directly related influence tactics imposed Americans themselves.
Briefing book included insights towards nature discussion involved outlining focus requesting details around small medium enterprises alongside additional requests made seeking increased assistance provided address issues caused thus far involving payments growing arrears experienced faced firm participants meeting explaining many SMEs working together were threatened sustainability due complications linked financing problems generated resulting inability provide adequate service levels demanded customers facing delayed processing requests altogether actions previously taken lead creating broader systemic challenges overall faced across local economies affected given situation throughout entire region representing thousands impacted individuals directly relying connections employment opportunities providing livelihoods families living amidst challenging circumstances developing throughout periods required adapting remain resilient responsive current realities impacting operations 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