The Canadian government is facing growing pressure to speak out against the United States over its expanded restrictions on fuel shipments to Cuba.<\/p>\n
Not only is the oil blockade a point of contention, there has been an overall lack of aid reaching the island nation.<\/p>\n
For more than a year, Global Affairs Canada has warned travellers of \u201cshortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel\u201d across most of Cuba.<\/p>\n
When the U.S. took control of Venezuela\u2019s oil reserves in January, Cuba lost its primary source of fuel.<\/p>\n
Due to the shortages, Canadian airlines have suspended flights to the island. But carriers such as Air France have opted to add refueling stops to their routes in nearby countries.<\/p>\n
Navy ships from Mexico carrying food staples and personal hygiene items have reached Cuba, and the New Democrats say Canada should provide similar support.<\/p>\n
So why aren\u2019t more countries sending oil and aid to Cuba? U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to Cuba. This has prompted the island nation to ration energy.<\/p>\n
These limitations add to decades of American restrictions on goods and services in Cuba, an embargo never replicated by Canada.<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has not said whether Canada will speak out against Trump\u2019s administration or offer fuel or humanitarian aid. But Anand did note efforts to support Canadians in need, prompting Canadian travellers to leave Cuba.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply concerned by the deteriorating conditions in Cuba. Our top priority will always be the safety and security of Canadians, and our foreign policy is based on that,\u201d said Anand.<\/p>\n
With files from The Canadian Press.<\/p>\n