Global Affairs Canada has allocated $8 million in funding to Cuba to assist the country in dealing with the oil embargo imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The funding is part of an international assistance initiative aimed at enhancing local food security and nutrition for vulnerable Cubans. It will be disbursed immediately through collaborations with the World Food Program and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Following the loss of its primary fuel source due to the U.S. control over Venezuela’s oil exports, Cuba has been facing challenges with blackouts and shortages of essential supplies. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand emphasized that Canadian aid decisions were made independently without discussions with U.S. officials, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to providing help in humanitarian crises.
Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz expressed concerns that the U.S. oil blockade is designed to create a humanitarian crisis to push for regime change. In response to the escalating situation, Canada is ramping up efforts to support Cuba with additional funding to address the critical humanitarian needs faced by its population.
The Ministry of Energy in Cuba has reported that the country is utilizing its domestic oil production to mitigate the impact of the embargo, which covers around 40% of its oil consumption. Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai highlighted the severity of the humanitarian situation in Cuba and emphasized the urgency of providing substantial aid to alleviate the challenges faced by the Cuban people.