Conservative MP Condemns $8 Million Cuba Aid as 'Moral Panic'
Conservative Member of Parliament Jamil Jivani has sharply criticized the Canadian government's decision to provide $8 million in aid to Cuba, labeling it a "moral panic" that diverts resources from helping Canadians. In a recent statement on social media, Jivani questioned why the funds are not being directed toward domestic priorities, emphasizing the need to support Canadian workers and businesses instead.
Government Announces Accelerated Funding for Cuba
Global Affairs Canada announced the expedited release of $8 million this week to address Cuba's humanitarian crisis. The funding aims to alleviate food insecurity, healthcare shortages, and blackouts on the island. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada stands in solidarity with the Cuban people and is providing targeted assistance through trusted partners like UNICEF and the World Food Programme.
"As the people of Cuba face significant hardship, Canada stands in solidarity and is providing targeted assistance to help address urgent needs," Anand said in a press release. "Through trusted humanitarian partners, we are delivering timely support to vulnerable communities and reaffirming Canada's commitment to the well-being and dignity of the Cuban people."
Jivani's Critique and Domestic Focus
Jivani argued that the aid decision is framed as a response to United States sanctions on Cuba, allowing it to avoid scrutiny over how the money could be better spent at home. He expressed concern that the media narrative distracts from the choice between sending money abroad versus investing in Canadian interests.
"What more could we be doing for our own people?" Jivani posted on X. "The way this is framed — so you don't think about it as a choice between money exiting our borders versus money being used to the benefit of Canadian workers and businesses — is the media frames it as a response to the United States."
Cuba's Humanitarian Crisis and Energy Dependence
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe fuel crisis, exacerbated by recent geopolitical events. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. President Donald Trump in January, Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba have halted, crippling the transportation of essential goods like food and medical supplies.
According to the International Energy Agency, Cuba relies heavily on oil, with 84% of its energy supply coming from oil and oil products in 2023. Additionally, 66.1% of its net energy imports are oil-based, highlighting the island's vulnerability to supply disruptions.
Diplomatic Relations and Historical Context
Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz recently addressed the House of Commons foreign affairs committee, stressing the importance of Canadian collaboration for Cuba's economy. Diaz noted that many investments in Cuba have come from Canada in recent years and expressed a desire to strengthen the 80-year relationship between the two nations.
"It is very important for us to have the petroleum products to function," Diaz told the committee. "The most difficult situation is with the oil product because they affect everything."
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Canada provided $8.3 million for Cuba's development, focusing on areas such as food security, renewable energy, and preventing gender-based violence. This ongoing support underscores Canada's role as a key partner in addressing Cuba's challenges, even as domestic critics like Jivani call for a reevaluation of foreign aid priorities.
