The Canadian Network on Cuba vehemently condemns the decision by the Canadian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to abstain on the vote to decide whether to proceed with a debate on “the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.”
On Tuesday, July 7th, the world overwhelmingly voted in favour of holding the debate, with 136 countries voting in favour of opening up the discussion despite procedural outbursts from the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. This result once again demonstrates that the vast majority of the world still recognizes the U.S. blockade on Cuba for what it is: a genocidal act of war that violates every principle of international law and the UN Charter.
While 9 countries voted against holding the debate, including the United States, Israel and Ukraine, Canada was among the 30 countries who abstained. This shameful and cowardly act is but another sign that the Carney government, despite its lip service to Canadian sovereignty and independence from the United States, is in fact in lock step with U.S. foreign policy. This capitulation to U.S. demands comes amidst stalled talks on renewing USMCA but it is unclear what influence this has had on Canada’s abstention.
Last week, Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla reported that the United States government has been working behind the scenes to pressure countries on how to vote, and to follow the talking points provided or remain silent altogether. A three-page letter was circulated to U.S. embassies around the world by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, titled “Engaging UN member states on July 7 UN General Assembly open debate on Cuba.” The letter warned that countries who dared to speak honestly about the blockade would “create friction in our bilateral relations.”
Canada’s diplomatic relationship with Cuba since the 1959 revolution has been complicated, but the vote of July 7 is part of a disturbing trend towards a reversal of Canada’s historical position. It also raises concerns about the annual UNGA vote to condemn the U.S. blockade on Cuba that takes place every October. For all 31 years that this vote has taken place, Canada has always aligned itself with the overwhelming majority of the world in condemning the blockade. If this were to change in 2026, it would represent a devastating blow to Canada-Cuba relations and to Canada’s independence.
It is important that Canadians let their elected officials know that we stand with Cuba against the unprecedented attacks by the Trump administration on Cuba’s sovereignty. We must remind them that what the U.S. does to Cuba, they can do to any country, including Canada, unless the world collectively takes a stand.
The Canadian Network on Cuba will be rolling out its No War on Cuba campaign this summer and into the fall, leading up to the UNGA vote on condemning the blockade on October 31st. Join us in calling on our government to do the right thing and once again condemn this genocidal act.
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