Canadian coalition to ship aid to Cuba amid growing worries

A coalition dedicated to strengthening Canada–Cuba relations is organizing the shipment of a container of humanitarian aid to Cuba as the country grapples with an energy crisis amid the ongoing U.S. blockade.

Julio Fonseca, co-chair of the Canadian Network on Cuba and president of the Association of Cubans in Toronto, told CBC News Thursday (Feb. 12) that this will be the nineteenth container the network has sent to Cuba since 2020, adding that the assistance is particularly urgent given the severe conditions currently facing the island.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries supplying oil to Cuba could face tariffs, leading the island nation to implement energy rationing in recent days.

READ MORE: “I’m tired of advisors being the punching bag”: Cuba flight suspensions reignite calls for commission protection

Fonseca stated that the container will include medical supplies, canned food, powdered milk, rice, beans, cooking oil, generators, and mattresses. It is scheduled to depart Canada by ship on March 7 and is expected to arrive in either Havana or Santiago de Cuba, where the aid will be distributed through local government channels

This week, the Canadian government raised its travel advisory for Cuba, advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the island.

As reported, all Canadian airlines have halted flights to Cuba for upcoming trips. According to the government, airlines are contacting travellers currently in Cuba to ensure they can return home safely.

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