Toronto, May 16, 2026.— Associations of the Cuban community residing in Canada held the 19th National Meeting of Cubans in Toronto, with the participation of approximately 50 representatives from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.
The meeting was dedicated to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, in the year marking the centenary of his birth. During the event, participants discussed issues related to the work of Cuban associations, new business opportunities for Cubans residing abroad, changes in migration regulations, as well as the current situation in Cuba and the state of bilateral relations between Cuba and Canada.
The organizers conveyed greetings from Ana Teresita González Fraga, Director General of Consular Affairs and Cubans Residing Abroad at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.
Representatives of the community and of the Cuban diplomatic mission took part in the program, addressing the support of Cubans residing in Canada for the Island, solidarity with Cuba, opportunities to participate in its economic development, and recent amendments to citizenship, immigration, and migration laws. Participants were also updated on the state of Canadian tourism and on the results of a virtual meeting held במסגרת the International Tourism Fair 2026.
Participants also exchanged views on the role of social media in defending the reality of Cuba. The proposals that emerged from the meeting were incorporated into an Action Plan.
The closing remarks were delivered by Rodrigo Malmierca, Ambassador of Cuba to Canada, who offered a general assessment of bilateral relations, Cuba’s situation in the face of the tightening of the U.S. blockade, and the role of Cuban associations in Canada in providing solidarity support to the Island.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating associations approved a Final Declaration in which they reaffirmed their commitment to the revolutionary process, condemned the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, and reiterated their determination to continue contributing to the country’s development through solidarity and the shipment of donations.