Ottawa faces calls to send fuel to Cuba as U.S. widens oil blockade

Canadian politicians and advocates are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to respond or provide aid after U.S. actions reduced fuel reaching Cuba; the government says it is concerned but has not committed to sending humanitarian fuel.

Canada is facing calls from opposition parties and advocates to send fuel or other aid to Cuba after U.S. measures further limited oil reaching the island. Global Affairs Canada has warned of shortages of essentials, including food, medicine and fuel. The federal government has not announced plans to supply humanitarian fuel and says its top priority is the safety of Canadians. Key points: - The article reports that U.S. restrictions reduced fuel reaching Cuba, and that in January the island lost its main fuel source after the U.S. took control of Venezuela's oil reserves. - Opposition figures, including NDP interim leader Don Davies and Bloc Québécois leader Yves‑François Blanchet, urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to speak out or send aid to Cuba. - Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated the government is "deeply concerned" but did not commit to offering humanitarian aid, noting a focus on Canadians' safety and support for Canadians affected. - Mexico has sent naval shipments of food staples and hygiene items to Cuba, and Cuba's ambassador to Ottawa said U.S. actions violate international law without specifying a requested Canadian response. Summary: The reporting shows political pressure on Ottawa to respond to a situation in which U.S. measures have contributed to shortages in Cuba. The government has expressed concern but has not announced humanitarian shipments or fuel assistance. Undetermined at this time.