Canada provides new assistance to help Cubans

Countries: Cuba, Canada Source: Government of Canada April 17, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Cuba is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by repeated nationwide power grid failures, prolonged blackouts that last many hours across the island and acute fuel shortages. The ongoing economic and energy crisis has severely disrupted access to food, clean water, health care and other essential services. Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced an additional $5.5 million in international assistance to respond directly to the urgent needs of vulnerable Cubans. The Pan American Health Organization will receive $5 million from this new funding to protect the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Cuba. The initiative aims to improve availability of and access to essential health services, critical medicines and medical supplies. It will also help to strengthen supply chains and support primary health care facilities and referral hospitals. The remaining funding will be allocated to the World Food Programme to provide food assistance to Cubans and support essential logistics and fuel needs for the humanitarian response. Canada works through experienced and trusted organizations to ensure that assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, particularly the most vulnerable. Canada continues to monitor the situation in Cuba and remains in close contact with partners to assess and respond to evolving needs. Quick facts On February 25, Canada announced that it would accelerate a payment of $8 million to an international assistance program of the World Food Programme and UNICEF to strengthen local food security and nutrition. Canada’s international assistance in Cuba is delivered through experienced partners, including United Nations entities and Canadian non-governmental organizations. In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Canada provided $8.3 million in funding for development assistance to Cuba. This support went toward strengthening nutrition and food security, supporting renewable energy solutions, advancing women’s economic empowerment and preventing and responding to gender‐based violence. Canada provided over $3 million in humanitarian assistance for Cuba in the wake of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 to support the emergency needs of affected populations. Contacts Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada media@international.gc.ca Follow us on X: @CanadaDev Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev

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