Carlos Fernández de Cosío Dominguez, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, made an appeal on Friday for Canada to back the struggling communist regime in Havana. He argued that Canadian businesses could face substantial financial losses if the regime were to collapse, potentially affecting billions in contracts.
De Cosío emphasized the importance of the extensive trade relationship between Cuba and Canada, highlighting significant investments made by Canadian companies. He acknowledged that, while there might be differing political views, both sides have a history of resolving issues through dialogue and respect.
Cuban officials have criticized the U.S. energy blockade, which they claim has deprived Cuba of essential fuel needed for various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture. De Cosío contended that Cuba’s frequent power outages were not due to mismanagement of its electricity resources, but rather a direct result of the fuel shortages imposed by the United States.
This statement came after Ottawa issued a warning about investing in Cuba, indicating a “liquidity crisis” along with an unreliable power grid as major concerns.
The Canadian Trade Commission pointed out that while there are opportunities, Cuba might not be an ideal market for new exporters, especially given the current economic crisis and payment challenges for foreign businesses.
Canada did note its longstanding trade ties with Cuba, mentioning some progress toward privatization in recent years, yet reiterated that imported goods still rely on state-run companies, which can complicate payment processes.
Private businesses in Cuba often pay upfront but may involve foreign intermediaries, raising concerns about transparency. The Canadian bulletin suggested that, over time, Cuba could attract seasoned investors willing to take on risks, provided that reliable payment methods can be established.
Canada effectively halted its support program for Canadian enterprises operating in Cuba in early 2026 due to escalating financial risks and a worsening economic landscape.
Some pro-Cuban activists expressed disappointment with Ottawa for not offering adequate support to the regime in Havana. Julio Fonseca from the Canada Cuba Network mentioned they had been urging the Canadian government to assist amid the escalating crises.
Fonseca argued that Cuba should publicly denounce the longstanding U.S. blockade, perceiving it as collective punishment of an innocent populace aimed at destabilizing the government.
Last week, Canada’s foreign affairs department announced it might consider financial support for humanitarian organizations to address civilian suffering in Cuba, including aid from agencies like UNICEF and the World Food Program. However, these efforts did not meet the hopes of those seeking direct support for the government.
To address Cuba’s energy shortages, it is necessary to replace the fuel lost from Venezuela following the fall of the Maduro regime. There are mixed reports regarding whether Russia is attempting to counter U.S. sanctions with fuel shipments to Cuba.
At Carleton University, experts expressed concerns that the situation in Cuba reflects a larger geopolitical shift. They noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent calls for unity among “middle powers” at the World Economic Forum highlighted the challenges of providing meaningful support without provoking the U.S.
Despite ambitions for effective aid, there appears to be a lack of resources to deliver the kind of assistance that some supporters of the Cuban regime desire, underscoring the complexities of international relations.
