Canada announces eight million dollars in humanitarian aid to Cuba to support food security and nutrition as Cuba faces a worsening crisis tied to fuel shortages and an oil blockade linked to Venezuela and U.S. sanctions.

The aid will be distributed through United Nations agencies rather than the Cuban government to ensure delivery to those most in need.

Global Affairs Canada frames this as part of an international relief effort aligned with Canadian foreign policy priorities, with ministers indicating Canada will act to address humanitarian needs when crises arise.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai announced the funding and stressed the urgency of the response, aiming for a larger impact for vulnerable Cubans.

Anand stated that Canada stands in solidarity with the Cuban people and seeks targeted assistance to meet urgent needs.

Caribbean leaders warn that Cuba’s humanitarian crisis could destabilize the region, drawing international concern.

U.S. pressure and potential tariffs on fuel shipments to Cuba are cited as factors in the crisis, even as Canadian officials say the Cuban government remains stable.

Canada has deep economic ties with Cuba, including being the second-largest source of direct investment in mining and tourism, a relationship that could be affected by the crisis.

Global Affairs Canada previously warned travelers about shortages in Cuba, signaling broader economic and material hardship on the island.

The funding will be released immediately and implemented through partnerships with the World Food Programme and UNICEF to scale up food assistance and nutrition for vulnerable Cubans.

Cuban officials have defended the blockade as a deliberate attempt to trigger a humanitarian disaster and regime change, noting energy shortages affect food distribution, health, transport, and education.

Mexico has sent multiple humanitarian shipments to Cuba, totaling over 1,193 tons, with ongoing talks about resuming oil shipments amid tightened U.S. sanctions.