Cuba is in crisis and Canada faces calls to provide aid

Reports describe widespread shortages of fuel, food and medicine in Cuba, rising infant mortality and sharp economic decline; Canada has sent naval food shipments and debate continues over further official aid.

Reports indicate Cuba is experiencing widespread shortages and infrastructure strain, with the humanitarian situation described as urgent. Officials and analysts point to extended blackouts, fuel shortages and gaps in medical and food supplies. The island's economy shows sharp deterioration alongside rising infant mortality and significant emigration in recent years. Canada’s historical ties with Cuba and large numbers of Canadian visitors have brought attention to the situation and to donated and government-arranged shipments. Key facts: - Humanitarian conditions: Reports cite extended power outages, shortages of food and medicines, school closures and postponed surgeries; infant mortality was reported as 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 2025 (compared with 4.7 in 2013). - Economic indicators: Official inflation for 2025 was reported at 14 percent, with estimates closer to 70 percent when informal economic activity is included; the country had its smallest sugar harvest on record and about 1.5 million people reportedly left Cuba in the past five years. - Canada’s involvement: Approximately 800,000 Canadians visited Cuba in 2025; two Canadian navy ships were reported to have departed with 814 tonnes of food aid and more supplies were announced, while churches and unions have also provided support and discussions over official bilateral aid are ongoing. Summary: The reported humanitarian and economic pressures on Cuba have prompted shipments of food and medical supplies from Canada and donations from civil organizations, and they have highlighted longstanding Canada–Cuba ties. Debates within Canada over the scale and form of official aid continue against a complex international backdrop. Undetermined at this time.