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The Government of Canada announced the dispatch of 5.8 million US dollars in humanitarian aid aimed at strengthening food security and nutrition for vulnerable sectors in Cuba, amid the energy crisis and the deterioration of living conditions on the island.
The statement was published by Global Affairs Canada, which reported that the funds are part of an international assistance program and will be channeled through the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund, with the aim of ensuring that the aid reaches the population directly.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, stated that Canada is providing specific assistance to address urgent needs and reaffirmed her country's commitment to the well-being and dignity of the Cuban people.
For his part, the Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, stated that the support will be directed towards the most vulnerable groups and aims to provide immediate relief for shortages in food and nutrition.
Ottawa indicated that the island is facing an accelerating deterioration of the situation due to fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and difficulties in accessing food and healthcare services, a scenario further affected by the impact of Hurricane Melissa last year.
The Canadian government reminded that in the fiscal year 2024-2025, it allocated 8.3 million dollars in development assistance for Cuba, aimed at strengthening food security, promoting renewable energy solutions, enhancing women's economic empowerment, and preventing gender-based violence.
Additionally, following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, it provided more than three million dollars in emergency humanitarian aid.
Canada stated that it will continue to monitor the situation in Cuba and maintain contact with its international partners to assess new needs and possible responses.
According to EFE, Canada specified that the announced 8 million Canadian dollars is equivalent to 5.85 million US dollars and will be specifically allocated for the purchase of food to enhance nutritional access for the vulnerable population.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that Ottawa did not consult with Washington regarding the provision of this aid and emphasized that it is a sovereign decision based on Canadian foreign policy and the humanitarian situation on the island.
EFE also added that Canada is currently the main source of tourists for Cuba, with 754,000 visitors in 2025, representing a 12.4% decrease compared to the previous year.
He also noted that Canadian airlines have suspended flights to the island due to a lack of aviation fuel, which represents another blow to the already struggling Cuban economy.
Last Monday, the Canadian government confirmed that it was working on an "assistance plan" for Cuba, amid the most severe energy crisis the island has faced in decades and as Washington increases pressure to cut off oil supplies to the Caribbean nation.
According to a report by the agency Reuters, Ottawa plans to provide support to Cuba in a context marked by fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of essential goods.
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