Canada has announced an emergency aid package worth $8 million Canadian (approximately US$6.7 million) to support food security in Cuba, as the island faces its worst humanitarian crisis in decades. The funds will be distributed through the World Food Programme and UNICEF, ensuring delivery directly to communities rather than through the Cuban government.
“As the people of Cuba face significant hardship, Canada stands in solidarity and is providing targeted assistance to help address urgent needs,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand in a statement. She confirmed that the decision was made independently, without consultation with U.S. officials.
Canada remains one of Cuba’s most important economic partners, ranking second only to Spain in direct foreign investment. The latest aid follows $8.3 million in development funding in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, as well as more than $3 million in humanitarian support after Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October 2025.
Mexico Sends a Second Shipment
Mexico has also stepped up its assistance. On Tuesday, two Mexican navy vessels departed from the port of Veracruz carrying 1,193 tons of humanitarian supplies, including beans, powdered milk, and other essentials. The convoy is expected to arrive in Havana on Saturday.
According to Mexico’s Foreign Ministry, 23 tons of the shipment were donated by social organizations with the support of the Mexico City government. This mission follows a similar delivery earlier this year when 814 tons of food and hygiene products were sent aboard the navy ships Papaloapan and Isla Holbox.
The renewed aid comes as President Claudia Sheinbaum grapples with balancing Mexico’s humanitarian outreach and the growing diplomatic strain caused by U.S. tariff threats against nations providing energy or goods to Cuba.
A Deepening Crisis
Cuba’s fuel and food shortages have intensified since early January, when U.S. intervention in Venezuela cut off vital oil supplies. The detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and a subsequent U.S. executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29 — threatening tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba — have crippled the island’s energy lifeline.
According to President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba has not received any oil shipments since December, describing the U.S. policy as “aggressive and criminal.” The island currently produces only about 40% of its fuel needs domestically, leaving it highly vulnerable to external pressure.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of a possible “humanitarian collapse” if fuel and food supplies are not restored soon. The shortages have paralyzed transport, disrupted hospital operations, closed schools, and caused garbage to pile up across Havana and other major cities.
Meanwhile, reports from The New York Times reveal that Cuban oil tankers have largely remained docked for months, while U.S. forces have intercepted multiple foreign vessels attempting to deliver fuel.
