OTTAWA – When Media and Government become obsessed with the “big issues of the day” (war s in Ukraine and the Middle East, etc.) the country can be forgiven for thinking nothing else matters. Instead, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Parliamentarians of all political stripes work feverishly to keep awareness of other international issues current.
Typically, NGOs advocating for freedom of speech and human rights bring together political leaders, activists and their organizations to the Parliamentary precinct to discuss matters that do not normally form part of the Government’s public agenda – regardless of their significance.
The complex relationship between Cuba and Canada is a case in point. In a week dominated by “budget updates” and “fiscal prognostications”, several MPs convened in a Forum to delve into the matters of the sole communist regime (Cuba) in the Americas and the challenges it poses to relations with democracies like Canada.
A Forum, “Cuba Day on the Hill”, chaired by MP Garnett Genuis brought together interested elements and MPs such as Anna Robert, Stephanie Kusie, Judy Sgro, Brad Redekopp, Arnold Viersen and Tony Baldinelli to explore the nuances.
Dr. Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat (in the pic above, from Wikipedia), from the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance (ACR), the keynote speaker set the tone with a comprehensive address that focused on human rights violations in Cuba, the alleged involvement of the regime in the Russian war against Ukraine, and Canada’s financial support for the Communist Regime of Cuba as a member of the Paris Club.
“We must question the Parliament of Canada on the specific use of the public funds that the Canadian government gives to the Communist Regime of Cuba,” said Gutiérrez Boronat. Cuban Canadian human rights activist Michael Lima presented a compelling analysis, explaining the impact of Canadian policy towards Cuba on the Cuban population. Lima’s insights did not paint a “pretty picture”.
Both presenters delved into the financial intricacies behind foreign aid, disclosing that, as recently as 2015, the Paris Club, structured in part to oversee aid, forgave $8.5 billion of the Cuban government’s $11.1 billion debt to the Paris club, of which Canada is a member.
Cuba continues to default on its payments, despite adjustments and extensions to its schedule, leaving the Cuban government with an outstanding debt with Canada of more than $36 million. Forum participants reacted in a fashion that seemed to question if Canada is abetting human rights abuses by contributing enabling funds.
The ACR has initiated an intensive diplomatic campaign in Europe and Canada, striving to end subsidies by these democracies to the totalitarian regime in Havana. The Forum was a part of that campaign which seems to be gaining support from numerous parliamentarians and political leaders in both regions. There is a growing call for a reassessment of foreign relations and financial support in the face of mounting human rights concerns.
Contributors: R. Allos and a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
