Canada Weighs Humanitarian Aid as Cuba Faces Crisis Amid U.S. Blockade

OTTAWA:The Canadian government says it is still considering whether to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba,” said Charlotte MacLeod of Global Affairs Canada in a written statement shared with CBC News.

MacLeod added, “As the situation continues to evolve, Canada is evaluating options to support Cuba’s most vulnerable people. Canada has a long-standing record of providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to Cuba in response to acute crises.”

Global Affairs also advised Canadians still on the island to “consider leaving while options remain available.” More than 27,900 travellers have already returned to Canada on commercial flights before airline services were suspended.

“Commercial flights remain available through international airlines; however, they may become limited on short notice,” MacLeod warned.

The sharp decline in Canadian tourists — historically a major source of revenue for Cuba — is among several troubling signals for Havana as it grapples with an escalating economic and humanitarian emergency.