Cuban diplomats are urging Canada to maintain its longstanding opposition to the United States’ economic embargo against Cuba as Washington intensifies pressure on countries supporting Havana amid a deepening fuel and economic crisis.
Cuban Ambassador to Canada Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz told The Canadian Press that Havana expects Ottawa to continue supporting efforts at the United Nations to end the decades-old embargo. His appeal comes ahead of an anticipated UN General Assembly vote on a Cuban-sponsored resolution calling for the termination of U.S. economic, commercial and financial restrictions.
Cuba Seeks Canada’s Support at the United Nations
Cuba has introduced resolutions opposing the U.S. embargo at the United Nations almost annually since 1992. Canada has supported such resolutions in previous years, although its position on the upcoming vote remained under consideration as of October 24, 2026.
Malmierca expressed confidence that Ottawa would continue to oppose the restrictions, arguing that the embargo and the recent tightening of measures were worsening conditions for ordinary Cubans.
However, the Canadian government has indicated that its position involves more than the embargo. Global Affairs Canada said it continues to urge Cuba’s government to respect political and economic rights and release political prisoners.
The United States, meanwhile, has been lobbying other countries to reject the resolution. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has argued that the vote diverts attention from human rights concerns and political repression in Cuba.
U.S. Fuel Restrictions Deepen Cuba’s Economic Crisis
The diplomatic dispute comes as Cuba struggles with fuel shortages, widespread power outages and shortages of essential goods.
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Havana by disrupting Venezuelan oil shipments and threatening tariffs against countries supplying fuel to Cuba. Washington says Cuba presents a national security concern, while Cuban officials describe the measures as economic pressure intended to weaken the country’s government.
Cuba produces approximately 40 percent of the fuel it requires, leaving it heavily dependent on external supplies. The resulting shortages have affected electricity generation, transportation, businesses and public services.
Air Canada and other airlines also canceled flights to Cuba in February because of aviation-fuel shortages, highlighting the wider effects of the island’s energy crisis.
Canada Announces Humanitarian Assistance
Canada has pledged $13 million in humanitarian assistance for Cubans, with the aid expected to be delivered through international organizations rather than directly to the Cuban government.
Canadian development initiatives have also included support for projects such as solar energy installations intended to reduce Cuba’s dependence on imported fuel.
Ottawa’s approach reflects the challenge of providing humanitarian assistance while continuing to raise concerns about political freedoms, human rights and economic reforms in Cuba.
Diplomatic Tensions Continue
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and countries that have historically opposed the embargo.
Cuban officials have alleged that some countries are facing pressure to change their positions ahead of the UN vote. The U.S. State Department did not respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press on the allegations reported October 24.
Although a UN resolution can carry significant diplomatic weight, it is not legally binding and cannot independently lift the U.S. embargo.
For Cuba, the upcoming vote represents another effort to secure international opposition to the restrictions. For Canada, the decision will come amid competing considerations involving relations with Washington, humanitarian concerns and its longstanding diplomatic position on Cuba.
Swifteradio.com
