The committee met to study the humanitarian situation in Cuba, hearing from Global Affairs Canada officials and the Cuban ambassador. The officials were Mark Richardson, Sébastien Beaulieu, and Tara Carney, and the ambassador was His Excellency Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz.
Mark Richardson, director general for Central America and the Caribbean, said Canada was monitoring the crisis and prioritizing the safety of Canadians and vulnerable Cubans. He noted that over 28,000 Canadians had returned home after airlines suspended flights, and that Canada had provided $8.3 million in development assistance last fiscal year, with a plan for further humanitarian aid being prepared. He defended Canada's diplomatic presence and engagement with Cuba, citing trade, tourism, and the ability to raise human rights concerns, while acknowledging the U.S. embargo's significant impact on Cuba's economy.
Sébastien Beaulieu, director general for international emergency and travel advice, explained that a consular presence on the ground is essential for helping Canadians with passports, legal issues, or medical emergencies, and that the registration of Canadians abroad service, supplemented by social media and travel websites, helps keep Canadians informed. He confirmed that Canadian airlines had operated special return flights for Canadians wishing to leave Cuba.
Tara Carney, director of the international humanitarian assistance division, said the crisis was not yet a protracted humanitarian emergency but that fuel shortages could push more people into need, particularly affecting health, water, and food security sectors. She identified the most vulnerable groups as those impacted by hurricane Melissa, as well as women, girls, the disabled, and the elderly, and said Canada was working with partners to assess changing needs.
Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz described the situation as caused by the U.S. economic blockade, which he said aimed to create a humanitarian crisis and force regime change. He said Cuba produced only 40% of its oil needs and that fuel shortages affected every aspect of life, including food distribution, health care, and transportation, and he called on the international community to support Cuba's right to exist in peace. He rejected accusations of political prisoners and military involvement in Ukraine, defended Cuba's electoral system, and welcomed Canadian aid, suggesting energy and food were priority areas for assistance.
The committee also engaged in procedural debate over the scope of questioning, with some members arguing that questions on political prisoners and Cuba's foreign alliances strayed from the humanitarian focus of the meeting. At the close, members discussed scheduling a future appearance by a newly appointed official, with some suggesting a summons if he did not agree to appear promptly.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official evidence.