Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing mounting political pressure to address the United States' restrictions on fuel supplies to Cuba or to consider providing energy assistance to the island nation.
CTV News reports that various factions within Canada's Parliament are urging the government to take a stronger stance against Washington following the escalation of restrictions that have impacted Cuba's access to oil.
In January, Cuba lost its primary fuel source after the United States took control of Venezuela's oil reserves, leading the island to ramp up energy rationing and grapple with shortages of essential goods. This predicament has also affected Canadian airlines, some of which have suspended flights to the Caribbean nation due to fuel scarcity.
Leaders from the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois have called on Carney to emulate Mexico's example of providing humanitarian aid to Cuba and to support the island amid what they perceive as escalating pressure from Washington.
Nevertheless, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has refrained from confirming whether Canada will condemn U.S. actions or send fuel and additional aid. She emphasized that the government's primary concern is the safety of Canadian citizens.
This debate unfolds against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the hemisphere, where President Donald Trump's administration has sparked reactions across various nations. While some lawmakers demand a more assertive response, Carney's government remains cautious and has not announced any definitive changes to its policy towards Cuba.
The ongoing fuel crisis in Cuba highlights the country's economic paralysis, as evidenced by its impact on the Canadian mining company Sherritt. The company, a key foreign partner of the Cuban regime in nickel and cobalt extraction in Moa, recently announced a temporary suspension of operations on the island.
According to the EFE news agency, Sherritt plans to halt mining activities and put its processing plant on standby next week, using the downtime for maintenance work.
Canada's Role in Cuba's Fuel Crisis: Key Questions
What is causing the fuel shortage in Cuba?
Cuba's fuel shortage is primarily due to the U.S. control over Venezuela's oil reserves, which was Cuba's main source of fuel. This has led to increased energy rationing and shortages of basic goods on the island.
How has Canada's government responded to the situation in Cuba?
The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is under pressure to take a firmer stance against U.S. restrictions. However, they have yet to announce specific policy changes, citing the safety of Canadian citizens as a priority.