Ottawa, February 24, 2026 – Cuba's Ambassador to Canada, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, appeared at a public hearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Canadian Parliament to present the effects on the Cuban economy of the blockade imposed by the United States for over six decades, recently exacerbated by Executive Order 14380, issued on January 29, 2026, and signed by President Donald Trump.
The hearing included a question and answer session with members of parliament. In his address, the Cuban diplomat detailed how US policy seeks to create a humanitarian crisis by interrupting the supply of oil to Cuba, affecting all aspects of daily life: food distribution, public health, transportation, and education. "Cuba only produces 40% of its oil needs. The objective of the oil blockade is clear: to create a humanitarian crisis and try to force regime change," stated Malmierca Díaz, citing, in turn, the declassified 1960 memorandum from US Assistant Secretary of State, Lester Mallory.
Malmierca Díaz highlighted achievements of the Cuban Revolution such as universal and free education and healthcare, contrasting them with the effects of the blockade on the functioning of hospitals and treatments for children with cancer or patients dependent on dialysis.
The ambassador emphasized the historical cooperation with Canada spanning over 80 years, the respectful dialogue despite differences, mutually beneficial investments, and tourism, which is currently affected by the suspension of flights due to the Trump administration's energy blockade.
Malmierca Díaz concluded by reaffirming the Cuban people's historical resistance.