cccoalition

The Cuban Canadians Coalition expresses its sincere gratitude to Salman Sima for extending the invitation to the event titled “Stand on Guard for Canada and Protect Canada from Foreign Hostile Influence” with Members of Parliament. We engaged in deliberations regarding the threats to Canada’s national security posed by authoritarian regimes, including Cuba, Russia, China, Iran, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, as well as terrorist organizations such as HAMAS and the IRGC.

Statement by the Cuban Canadians Coalition Ottawa, April 17, 2026 The Cuban Canadians Coalition takes note of the announcement by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (Anita Anand, Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada) regarding the allocation of $5.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba in response to the deepening crisis affecting the Cuban people. We recognize the importance of providing urgent support to those facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic services. However, it is essential to underscore that the root of this crisis is not solely humanitarian, but fundamentally political. For decades, the Cuban regime has maintained absolute control over the economy, the distribution of resources, and the daily lives of its citizens, creating the structural conditions that have led to the collapse of the electrical grid, chronic fuel shortages, and the deterioration of the healthcare system. Any international assistance directed to Cuba must include strict guarantees of transparency, independent oversight, and direct access to the population, ensuring that these resources are not diverted or used for political control. The Cuban people do not only need aid; they need freedom, democratic institutions, and full respect for their fundamental rights. We urge the Government of Canada to complement this assistance with a firm policy in defense of human rights in Cuba, including the recognition of political prisoners and support for independent civil society. The Cuban Canadian Coalition reaffirms its commitment to continue raising its voice for those on the island who cannot do so freely. Humanitarian aid cannot replace justice, nor freedom. #canpoli

The Cuban-Canadians Coalition takes note of the recent announcement by the Cuban regime regarding the release of 2,100 prisoners. However, we express our deep concern and strong condemnation over the fact that, to date, there is no credible evidence that any of the more than 1,000 political prisoners in Cuba have been included in this process. The continued imprisonment of political prisoners—individuals detained solely for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms—demonstrates that the Cuban regime remains unwilling to undertake genuine reforms. After 67 years in power, marked by systematic repression and practices amounting to crimes against humanity, the regime continues to prioritize its own survival over the rights and well-being of its citizens. This selective approach raises serious questions about the transparency and intent behind the announced releases. Excluding political prisoners from such measures underscores the absence of real change and highlights the ongoing human rights violations on the island. At a time when Cuba faces a profound humanitarian crisis and a widespread economic collapse—driven by decades of failed policies and disastrous economic decisions—the need for meaningful change has never been more urgent. We call on the international community, democratic governments, and human rights organizations to demand transparency, accountability, and the immediate, unconditional release of all political prisoners in Cuba. The Cuban people deserve freedom, justice, and the right to determine their own future. Cuban-Canadians Coalition Ottawa, April 6, 2026

Dear Minister of Foreign Affairs, On behalf of the Cuban Canadians Coalition, I am writing to respectfully urge the Government of Canada to reassess its current diplomatic engagement with the Republic of Cuba, particularly regarding the operation of the Cuban Embassy in Canada and Canada’s diplomatic presence on the Island. Given the current political, economic, and human rights conditions in Cuba, we believe it is both reasonable and necessary for Canada to adopt a more measured and principled approach. Specifically, we call on the Government of Canada to consider closing the Cuban Embassy in Canada, allowing only a minimal consular presence strictly dedicated to essential immigration and administrative services. At the same time, we encourage the Government to significantly reduce Canada’s diplomatic personnel in Cuba to the bare minimum required for basic consular functions. This recommendation is grounded in several key considerations: First, Canada’s foreign policy should consistently reflect its core democratic values, including respect for human rights, political freedoms, and the rule of law. The Cuban government’s longstanding record in these areas raises serious concerns. A recalibration of diplomatic engagement would send a clear and principled message, while preserving essential consular channels. Second, there is currently a limited presence of Canadian citizens residing or operating in Cuba on a long-term basis. While tourism has historically played a role, the current realities on the island—marked by economic hardship, systemic shortages, and lack of fundamental freedoms—have diminished both the attractiveness and sustainability of a significant Canadian presence. Third, maintaining a full diplomatic footprint in Cuba represents a considerable expense to Canadian taxpayers. At a time when public resources must be managed with efficiency and accountability, it is difficult to justify allocating funds to support an extensive diplomatic infrastructure in a country where Canada’s direct citizen-based interests remain limited. Additionally, as reported by deserters from Cuban intelligence and former high-ranking officers of the Cuban regime, and confirmed by foreign intelligence services, Cuba’s diplomatic missions are systematically used as platforms for intelligence-gathering, surveillance activities directed at members of the Cuban exile community, and for recruiting agents in host governments and society at large to exert influence on behalf of the regime. These concerns further underscore the need for a cautious and security-conscious approach to diplomatic engagement with the Cuban dictatorship. This proposal does not seek to eliminate communication or necessary services, but rather to align Canada’s diplomatic posture with fiscal responsibility and its commitment to democratic principles. We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that the Government of Canada will carefully evaluate this request in the broader context of its foreign policy priorities. Sincerely, Cuban Canadians Coalition

Eugenio Landeiro, a member of the Cuban Canadians Coalition (@cccoalition_ca), speaks on radio (@CFRAOttawa @ctvottawa) about the reality of the Cuban people and the ongoing humanitarian crisis that millions have endured for decades under a failed communist regime. We extend our sincere thanks to @radioKristy for giving a voice to millions of Cubans and helping bring much-needed attention to this reality. youtu.be/vkAY_FN2OBQ?si…

📢Cubanos comparecen ante el Parlamento de Canadá para abordar la crisis humanitaria en la Isla Representantes de la sociedad civil cubana y del exilio comparecieron este 26 de febrero ante el Comité Permanente de Asuntos Exteriores y Desarrollo Internacional (FAAE) del Parlamento de Canadá, en una sesión dedicada a examinar la crisis humanitaria en Cuba. Intervinieron: Carolina Barrero Ferrer: Directora ejecutiva de Ciudadanía y Libertad Kirenia Carbonell: directora de Relaciones Públicas de la Coalición Cubano-canadiense John Suarez: Director ejecutivo del Center for a Free Cuba Yaxys Cires, director de Estrategia del Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos. Durante la audiencia, los comparecientes expusieron el deterioro acelerado de las condiciones de vida en la Isla, el impacto de la crisis energética, el aumento de la migración forzada y la persistencia de la represión política, incluida la situación de los presos políticos y la criminalización del disenso. La sesión forma parte del análisis que realiza el Parlamento canadiense sobre la política exterior hacia Cuba y las posibles respuestas ante el agravamiento de la crisis humanitaria y de derechos humanos en el país.

#Cuba Ottawa’s inconsistent approach to Cuba is not harmless diplomacy. Cuba is an operational hub for Russian recruitment, Chinese intelligence access, and Venezuelan regime survival in the Western Hemisphere. Treating Havana as an exception undermines democracy in the Americas. Policy coherence is not optional. It’s strategic. thebureau.news/p/canadas-frie… La política incoherente de Ottawa hacia Cuba no es diplomacia inocua. Cuba es un nodo operativo del eje autoritario: reclutamiento para Rusia, inteligencia vinculada a China y sostén del régimen venezolano en el hemisferio occidental. Tratar a La Habana como excepción debilita la democracia en las Américas. La coherencia es estratégica. #Canada #HumanRights @scoopercooper

We extend our sincere appreciation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development for the invitation to provide testimony in this important forum, where independent civil society voices have been given the opportunity to be heard regarding the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Cuba. 🇨🇦🇨🇺

Ottawa, Canada – The @cccoalition_ca , @CiudadaniayL , the @observacuba , and the @cubacenter appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) to present testimony on the deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis in Cuba. During the hearing, the organizations detailed the severe economic collapse affecting the population, the systematic repression against dissent, the continued imprisonment of political prisoners — including young people and peaceful demonstrators — and the growing despair driving mass migration. The testimony emphasized that Cuba’s crisis is fundamentally rooted in the absence of political freedoms, the lack of democratic institutions, and the criminalization of civic activism. The organizations expressed their sincere gratitude to the Committee for the invitation and for providing a democratic forum where independent civil society voices could be heard. At the same time, they respectfully urged Members of Parliament to take concrete steps to ensure that Canada’s foreign policy toward Cuba reflects a principled commitment to human rights, accountability, and support for the Cuban people — not the structures that perpetuate repression. The full video of the testimony is being shared together with this publication to guarantee transparency and public access to the proceedings. @CanadaFP @SenatorHousakos @SandraCobena_ @shuvmajumdar @Lianne_Rood @CanadaFP @AnitaAnandMP @MarkJCarney @cccoalition_ca @CBCNews @CdnPressNews @ctvottawa @MarioJPenton @eltoquecom @CubanetNoticias @CamilaAcostaCu @EvanDyerCBC @ConsensoDCubano @pasosdecambio @MundoDarwin @ernestomoralesx youtu.be/cI5eFOgX4rw?si…

Thank you @Lianne_Rood for courageously highlighting the real human rights situation in Cuba and for standing in solidarity with the Cuban people. Your voice helps shine a light on repression and gives hope to those fighting peacefully for freedom and dignity 🇨🇺

Thank you, @MichaelChongMP, for this important statement and for your continued attention to the unfolding political and humanitarian crisis, as well as the ongoing human rights violations in Cuba. We truly appreciate your support and engagement on this urgent matter.

Thank you to the Cuban Canadians Coalition. We had a productive meeting discussing the unfolding humanitarian crisis and human rights in Cuba. #cdnpoli

#Ottawa ¡Desde la @cccoalition_ca apoyamos a nuestros hermanos venezolanos! #HastaElFinal #HastaQueSeaLibres #Todos #LibertadParaLosPresosPoliticos

“We are very grateful to the U.S. administration for taking decisive action in regard to the bloody regime that was in power in Venezuela.(…)” Kirenia Carbonell, PR for the Cuban Canadians Coalition ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article…

The Cuban-Canadians Coalition expresses deep concern over Presidential Decree 1147, signed by Cuban dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel (@DiazCanelB @PresidenciaCuba), which officially confirms the direct participation of Cuban military forces in armed operations in Venezuela. The decree acknowledges the death of 32 Cuban soldiers deployed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, directly contradicting years of denials by the Cuban regime regarding its military interference in Venezuela. For years, Cuban activists, together with the Venezuelan and Nicaraguan communities, have warned that the Cuban regime acts as a key political, operational, and intelligence pillar of Nicolás Maduro’s narco-terrorist regime, contributing to repression and regional instability. The Cuban-Canadians Coalition urges the Government of Canada (@MarkJCarney @AnitaAnandMP @CanadaFP @CanEmbCuba), to publicly address this admission and act in line with repeated warnings about the threat the Cuban regime poses to regional stability and democratic security. @SenatorHousakos @PierrePoilievre @PierrePaulHus @SandraCobena_ @cccoalition_ca @shuvmajumdar @MichaelChongMP @jamesbezan @marcorubio @CBCNews @EvanDyerCBC @brianlilley

PUBLIC LETTER TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA (@CPC_HQ) From: Cuban Canadians Coalition (@cccoalition_ca) To: The Conservative Party of Canada Regarding the meeting between @MichaelChongMP and the Cuban totalitarian regime’s ambassador, @R_Malmierca, The Cuban Canadians Coalition expresses its profound indignation and concern over the recent meeting between Conservative MP and Shadow Minister Michael Chong and Rodrigo Malmierca, ambassador of the Cuban communist totalitarian regime in Canada. If Mr. Chong truly considers himself a principled Conservative, he must understand that the Cuban regime has been in power for 67 years, ruling through systematic repression, political imprisonment, assassinations, censorship, and forced exile. For decades, this regime has destroyed an entire nation, forcing hundreds of thousands of Cubans to flee the Island, many of them forcibly exiled for thinking differently. Mr. Chong must also be aware that the Cuban communist regime is a strategic ally of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and North Korea. More than 20,000 Cuban military personnel are currently fighting alongside Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, a fact that recently led the Ukrainian government to sever diplomatic relations with Havana. How is it possible that someone who claims to uphold Conservative values would meet with a representative of such a regime to discuss investments in the energy and mining sectors? Has Mr. Chong not read the recent CBC investigation by journalist Evan Dyer, which exposes the exploitation of Cuban workers by the Canadian company Sherritt International, in direct collaboration with the Cuban state? Is Mr. Chong unaware that human rights are systematically violated in Cuba? Does he not know that more than 1,100 political prisoners currently languish in Cuban prisons for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights? Is he unaware that the Cuban regime murdered Oswaldo Payá, (miamiherald.com/news/nation-wo…) or that it sank the tugboat “13 de Marzo,” killing 41 people, including 10 children, in an act that remains unpunished? (cubaarchive.org/wp-content/upl…). The Cuban Canadians Coalition has repeatedly presented documented reports to the Parliament of Canada exposing these crimes. Petition E-4782, sponsored by MP Pierre Paul-Hus, (@PierrePaulHus) and a motion introduced in the Senate by Senator Leo Housakos, (@SenatorHousakos) clearly denounce the crimes committed by the Havana military totalitarian regime (sencanada.ca/en/senators/ho…). It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that a member of the Conservative Party of Canada would lend legitimacy to a regime responsible for crimes against humanity. We therefore call on Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and all members of the party to take a clear and principled stand. Instead of shaking hands with the enemies of freedom and democracy, we urge you to unequivocally condemn the crimes of the Cuban regime. If Conservative leaders wish to understand the real situation faced by millions of Cubans, they should meet with and listen to freedom-loving Cuban Canadians, not representatives of a dictatorship. No more complicity with murderers. No more double standards. Either democracy is defended, or one stands on the side of evil. There is no middle ground. Cuban Canadian Coalition @PierrePoilievre @CPC_HQ @PierrePaulHus @SenatorHousakos @MelissaLantsman @StephanieKusie @SandraCobena_ @shuvmajumdar @EvanDyerCBC @brianlilley @cccoalition_ca @marcorubio

Today, members of the Cuban-Canadian Coalition had the honour of being received by @SandraCobena_ , Member of the House of Commons of Canada, to discuss the urgent and deteriorating situation in Cuba. We shared our concerns regarding the humanitarian, epidemiological, and political crisis on the Island, as well as Cuba’s growing military alignment with Russia, and the reality of more than 1,000 political prisoners. During the meeting, we presented a detailed report outlining the risks faced by millions of Cubans—and by Canadians who travel to Cuba—and the critical actions we believe Canada must take to uphold its values and protect its citizens. We extend our sincere gratitude to MP Cobena (and her outstanding team) for their time, openness, and commitment to better understanding this crisis that affects both Cuban families and Canadians alike. @KireniaCD @cccoalition_ca @shuvmajumdar @SenatorHousakos @CanadaFP @AnitaAnandMP @CanEmbCuba @PierrePaulHus @MarkJCarney

To @CanadaFP : Canada’s official Travel Advice and Advisories page does not warn Canadians about the serious epidemiological and sanitary crisis currently affecting Cuba. This omission puts travellers at risk. Cuba is facing severe public health deterioration: outbreaks of infectious diseases, shortages of essential medicines, collapsing hospitals, and unsafe hygienic conditions. The country’s healthcare system cannot guarantee adequate emergency care — even in tourist areas frequented by Canadians. We urge Global Affairs Canada to update the travel advisory for Cuba immediately to reflect: • Current epidemiological risks • Critical shortages in medical care and medications • Unsafe sanitary conditions • The limited capacity of the Cuban regime to respond to medical emergencies Canadians deserve transparent, accurate, and up-to-date information before traveling. Keeping incomplete travel warnings puts lives at risk. @AnitaAnandMP @CanadaFP @CanEmbCuba @MarkJCarney @SenatorHousakos @shuvmajumdar @PierrePoilievre @PierrePaulHus @CBCNews @EvanDyerCBC @brianlilley @globeandmail @CTVNews @cccoalition_ca

Statement from the Cuban-Canadians Coalition on the Situation of Political Prisoner Yosvany Rosell García Caso The Cuban-Canadians Coalition expresses its deepest concern regarding the critical situation of political prisoner Yosvany Rosell García Caso, unjustly sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment for exercising his civic right to peacefully protest during the demonstrations of July 11, 2021, in Cuba. His imprisonment represents a blatant violation of fundamental rights recognized in international treaties that the Cuban State itself claims to respect. Today, Yosvany Rosell has been on a hunger strike for more than 30 days, putting his life at extreme risk as a last resort to protest the inhumane conditions to which he is subjected. We hold the Cuban regime fully responsible for any consequence resulting from this hunger strike and denounce the indifference with which the authorities attempt to silence his suffering. His prolonged absence has deeply affected his three young children, who are also victims of the repression and collective punishment that characterize the Cuban system. The Cuban-Canadians Coalition demands his immediate release, as well as the release of all Cuban political prisoners detained for exercising such basic rights as expressing themselves, assembling, or demanding a better future for their nation. We also make a firm call to the Government of Canada to publicly stand with the Cuban people and defend the fundamental freedoms currently trampled on the island. Canada, a country with a long tradition of defending human rights, cannot continue maintaining normal economic relations with a regime that imprisons, tortures, and systematically represses its citizens. Any government willing to condemn human rights violations elsewhere in the world must apply the same standard to Cuba. We reiterate that the Cuban-Canadian community will continue raising its voice until Yosvany Rosell García Caso and all unjustly imprisoned Cubans regain their freedom. @cccoalition_ca @AnitaAnandMP @CanadaFP @CanEmbCuba @marcorubio @SenatorHousakos @shuvmajumdar @Rob_Oliphant @hrw @UN @AlenaDouhan @EU_Commission

Dear Honourable Member of Parliament @Rob_Oliphant , On behalf of the Cuban-Canadian Coalition, we recognize Canada’s long-standing diplomatic engagement. However, we must express our deep concern regarding your recent meeting with Cuba’s Minister of Tourism and the idea of expanding Canadian tourism or investment on the island. Canada should not approach the Cuban regime as a normal government. For nearly seven decades, it has committed crimes against humanity, destabilized the Western Hemisphere, and denied its citizens the most basic human rights. 1. A Regime Without Democracy or Fundamental Freedoms The Cuban state maintains power through repression, censorship, torture, and political imprisonment. There are no free or plural elections, no independent institutions, and no tolerance for dissent. Engagement with Havana must be conditioned on the release of all political prisoners, an end to state repression, and the restoration of democratic rights through free, internationally supervised, multi-party elections. 2. Cuba’s Direct Involvement in Russia’s War Against Ukraine Reports of more than 20,000 Cuban soldiers and personnel fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine raise serious national security concerns. This collaboration strengthens Russia’s illegal aggression and contradicts Canada’s commitments to NATO and its stated solidarity with Ukraine. 3. Contradictions in Canada’s Foreign Policy Canada has imposed sanctions on authoritarian regimes violating international law. Yet it continues economic engagement with Havana—the principal political, military, and intelligence ally of several of those sanctioned regimes. Doing business with the Cuban government while sanctioning its partners undermines Canada’s credibility and unintentionally enables repression. 4. Tourism Revenues Controlled by the Military Cuba’s tourism sector is dominated by GAESA, a military conglomerate responsible for financing and executing internal repression. Canadian investment in this sector, without strict human rights conditions, risks strengthening the same apparatus that imprisons artists, students, journalists, and peaceful protesters. 5. A Necessary Shift Toward a Principled Policy If Canada is to remain consistent with its democratic values, it must adopt a firmer, more principled approach toward Havana. This includes: • Sanctions against Cuban officials and military entities involved in repression, • Recognition and protection of Cuban civil society, and • Transparency regarding Cuba’s military collaboration with Russia, particularly in Ukraine. Canada’s foreign policy must reflect not only diplomatic engagement but a clear defense of democracy and human dignity. After nearly seventy years under authoritarian rule, the Cuban people deserve Canada’s active solidarity—not silence or complicity. Respectfully, Cuban-Canadian Coalition Shuv Majumdar Anita Anand Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada Marco Rubio European Parliament Senator Leo Housakos Embassy of Canada to Cuba @AnitaAnandMP @CanadaFP @CanadaFP @cccoalition_ca @SenatorHousakos @shuvmajumdar @PierrePoilievre @PierrePaulHus @marcorubio @UN @EU_Commission @EvanDyerCBC @CBCNews @WhiteHouse

Statement on the Situation of Cuban Intellectual and Writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez (@jos95087) The Cuban intellectual and writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez continues to suffer inhumane conditions in prison, where he has been unjustly held for one year and two days. His health has visibly deteriorated — he has lost weight, has recurrent fevers, and is confined in a cell with more than ten inmates, some of whom are common criminals, further worsening his situation. José Gabriel has been forbidden from receiving books, a cruel act that amounts to psychological torture for a man who has devoted his life to reading, critical thought, and the defense of freedom. On November 24, his trial was held, and it became clear that the charge of “public disorder” against him is completely false. There was no such disorder: Barrenechea simply joined over 200 residents of the Encrucijada neighborhood to peacefully demand that electric service be restored after more than two days without electricity. Despite the fact that Cuban law requires the court to issue a verdict within 15 days, a month and 17 days have passed without any ruling — another blatant act of arbitrariness and cruelty. The Cuban totalitarian regime has singled out José Gabriel with particular cruelty. Authorities even denied him the right to see his elderly mother, Zoila Chávez, before she passed away. The heartbreaking video in which she pleaded, in tears, to see her son one last time moved people across the world — yet the regime refused her dying wish. José Gabriel Barrenechea is a man of dignity, an independent thinker, and a defender of truth, justice, and the right of every human being to live in freedom. His writings reflect wisdom, moral balance, love for Cuba, and the yearning to see Martí’s dream fulfilled — a nation “with all and for the good of all.” José Gabriel should not be in prison. Nor should the more than 1,000 political prisoners who remain behind bars under a regime that rules through fear, while the country collapses under a severe economic, social, and health crisis, unable to provide even the most basic needs of its citizens. We demand his immediate release, and we call for an end to the persecution of all Cubans who, like José Gabriel Barrenechea, speak out with dignity for a free and just Cuba. @cccoalition_ca @CUBADECIDE @CiudadaniayL @CubanetNoticias @MarioJPenton @ArbolInvertido @eltoquecom @F_ElKhoury @shuvmajumdar @SenatorHousakos @CBCNews @EvanDyerCBC @globeandmail @hrw @UN @EU_Commission @VaticanNews @CanadaFP @CanEmbCuba