Old Havana stands as the historic heart of Cuba’s capital, known for its aging buildings, busy streets, and deep cultural roots. Travel Week
Canada continues to warn travellers about serious food, fuel, and power shortages in Cuba as concerns rise over possible action by the United States against the island’s government. Experts say any attempt by Washington to remove Cuba’s communist leadership would put Canada in a difficult position, worse than the fallout from past U.S. action in Venezuela.
Two former Canadian ambassadors say officials in Ottawa already prepare for different scenarios. They believe Canada must weigh its response carefully, especially as it works to protect trade ties with the United States.
“Canada, more than probably any other nation, is caught in a vise grip,” said Mark Entwistle, who served as Canada’s envoy to Havana in the 1990s.
Daily Life in Cuba Grows Harder
For over a year, Canada’s foreign affairs department has warned that much of Cuba faces shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Until mid-January, some resort areas did not fall under the warning. Officials now say rolling blackouts have hit the country since October 2024.
Recent U.S. actions in the region raised alarm. Earlier this month, Donald Trump ordered a military raid in Venezuela that led to the capture of its president and gave Washington control over oil supplies. The move followed a new U.S. security strategy aimed at tighter control across the Americas.
Some U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio, have long called for change in Cuba’s leadership.
“There is a plausible possibility that the United States will take even further drastic action in an attempt to bring down Cuba while they can,” Entwistle said, pointing to the risk of a naval blockade. “The Cubans have a tremendous ability to survive.”
Canada’s Choices and Concerns
Entwistle said Canada would consider trade talks with the U.S. before responding to any major action against Cuba. He said Ottawa might also look at sending humanitarian aid.
From Havana, Karen Dubinsky said blackouts now last up to 10 hours a day. Locals believe U.S. limits on Venezuelan oil caused the power crisis.
“I don’t think that I’ve seen people so dispirited in Havana,” she said. “The U.S. actions in Venezuela have had a huge impact here.”
She said cultural events now draw mostly foreign visitors, as locals focus on finding food and electricity.
Tourists and Trade at Risk
Former ambassador Matthew Levin said Cuba’s government likely would not collapse, as citizens remain used to hardship. Still, he warned that Canada must prepare to help its citizens if violence or infrastructure failure occurs.
Canada remains a major trade and investment partner for Cuba, especially in mining and tourism. That relationship continues despite U.S. sanctions.
Entwistle said Canada and Mexico stand almost alone in maintaining steady ties with Cuba since 1959. He said Canada’s long-standing policy of engagement aims to support gradual change, not collapse.
“There is a different future for Cuba than just simple collapse,” he said. “And I think it’s in Canada’s interests that we help prevent that.”
