Canada and Mexico must work together to help Cuba survive its dire humanitarian crisis

[Passages]

Published: April 8, 2026
7:27am EDT

The people of Cuba are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis due to the United States government’s embargo of the island nation. Although a Russian oil tanker recently passed through the blockade to deliver much-needed fuel, daily life remains precarious for ordinary Cubans, who are facing unemployment and shortages of food another necessities.

Building upon the historical parallels between Canadian and Mexican relations with Cuba, the federal government should partner with Mexico to expand its commitment towards essential humanitarian aid.

Both Canada and Mexico are hesitant to disturb the proverbial elephant in bed between them whose every “twitch and grunt” has an out-sized impact on both countries.

But providing aid to Cuba in its time of need could help redress past betrayals and serve as a strong foundation for improving Canadian-Mexican relations as both governments must confront the existential threat to the liberal world order posed by their largest shared trading partner.

https://theconversation.com/canada-and-mexico-must-work-together-to-help-cuba-survive-its-dire-humanitarian-crisis-279542

[malaise]

1. Caribbean and Latin American folks as well

Cuba is a good neighbor

[Passages]

4. Exactly right.

[Melon]

2. Cuba really is a humanitarian disaster

I don’t see how it can actually “get better”.
They were receiving free oil from Venezuela. In return providing security and personal.
They basically don’t have an economy. Cuba does have some tourism but they were dealing with shortages of things like meat and blackouts of electricity for years. Does Canada and Mexico need to provide them free oil forever, or Russia? A large charity island does seem sustainable.

[Spazito]

3. Canada is helping now...

Here's an article from February:

"Ottawa announces $8M to Cuba amid growing humanitarian crisis
Global Affairs Canada says the funding is meant 'to scale up food and nutrition for vulnerable Cubans'

"This funding is part of an international assistance program to strengthen local food security and nutrition," according to a news statement from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

GAC says the funding is meant "to scale up food and nutrition for vulnerable Cubans."

The funding — to be released immediately — will be delivered through partnerships with the World Food Program and the United Nations Children's Fund, the statement said."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-funding-cuba-9.7105223

[Passages]

5. Thank you for that.