Canada's Cuba Vote in Crosshairs Amid US Pressure

The Canadian government's stance on Cuba has come under pressure from the United States. In July, Canada abstained from a vote calling for a debate about the US blockade on Cuba, which has reportedly cost the Cuban economy over $8 billion between March 2025 and February 2026.

A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) acknowledged Canada's 'longstanding position' against the US embargo but did not confirm whether it would hold that position again this October. The GAC is 'closely monitoring developments' while continuing to 'assess evolving circumstances and maintain dialogue with regional partners.'

The Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC) believes that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio applied economic pressure to get Canada to vote in the US's favor come October. Samantha Hislop, CNC co-chair, stated that a Liberal foreign policy advisor confirmed that while Rubio spoke with GAC Minister Anita Anand in August 'in the context of trade negotiations,' the official response was that Canada would not change its vote.