Canada has said it is preparing an assistance plan for Cuba as the island struggles with severe fuel shortages and blackouts.
Reuters reports that Anita Anand, the Canadian Foreign Minister, told reporters on Monday (Feb. 23) that Ottawa is preparing to assist Cuba but did not provide details on what the assistance may include.
President Donald Trump has said that “Cuba will be failing pretty soon.” Trump has tightened sanctions and moved to block oil shipments — including from its longtime ally Venezuela — in an effort to increase pressure on the Communist-run government.
These restrictions have driven up costs for food and transportation and contributed to prolonged power outages across Cuba.
The United Nations has warned that if Cuba’s energy needs are not met, the situation could escalate into a broader humanitarian emergency.
Washington and Ottawa have also had tensions under Trump over issues like trade tariffs, Trump’s rhetoric towards Greenland, Ottawa’s attempts to warm ties with Beijing, and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks urging middle powers to act together to avoid being victimized by U.S. hegemony.
