By Correo Canadiense Editorial Team
In an international context marked by uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and migratory challenges, the new Consul General of Cuba in Toronto, Víctor Manuel García, assumes his duties with clear objectives.
Strengthening ties with the Cuban community in Canada, deepening relations between his nation and this northern country, and defending an alternative vision to the current world order top the list of these purposes.
In an interview with Correo Canadiense, the diplomat reviews his personal career, analyzes the global scenario, and details the priorities of his tenure.
Consul, how did you get into Cuban diplomacy and what brings you to Toronto?
I have worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba since 2015. I hold a degree in Philosophy from the University of Havana and, upon completing my higher education, I entered the world of diplomacy. I worked in the Directorate of Latin America and the Caribbean, then I was appointed consul in Sweden for four years, and after returning to the Ministry, in 2025 I assumed this responsibility in Toronto. For me, it is an honor and a challenge: over the next few years, I will be here sharing with the Cuban community, with Canadians, and providing consular services to those who travel or wish to travel to Cuba.
Considering that you are assuming your duties at a complex moment in the international arena, how do you evaluate the current geopolitical context?
We are living in a very aggressive and uncertain scenario. New sources of tension emerge every day, and this has intensified with the second term of United States President Donald Trump. From Cuba, we understand the situation as the expression of an unjust international economic order, based on dispossession, exclusion, and financial hegemony, particularly of the dollar. This logic generates wars, violence, xenophobia, and discrimination. In contrast, Cuba has historically defended sovereignty, self-determination, and anti-imperialism, advocating for a different model, one of solidarity and based on social justice.
How does this global context impact your consular work in Canada?
It has a direct impact. International tensions generate fear and uncertainty, especially among migrant communities. Our responsibility is to represent Cuba, but also to accompany Cubans residing in Canada, maintain permanent communication with them, offer accurate information, and counteract the distorted image that many hegemonic media disseminate about our country. The Consulate must be a space for support, guidance, and trust.
What is your opinion on the current relations between Cuba and Canada?
They are solid and very special relations. We are celebrating 80 years of uninterrupted diplomatic ties, which is quite uncommon. Beyond changes in government in Canada, positive relations have always prevailed. The Canadian people are among the closest to the Cuban people. Tourism is a clear reflection of this, with over a million Canadians visiting Cuba before the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Canada is a key partner in investment, mining, renewable energy, agricultural cooperation, gender programs, and cultural and academic exchange. It has also maintained its historical support for Cuba in the United Nations against the U.S. blockade, something we deeply appreciate.
What are the Consulate's specific priorities for 2026?
We have two main pillars, the first related to Toronto hosting the National Meeting of Cubans Residing in Canada this year, scheduled for May. It will be a key space for dialogue, proposals, and strengthening ties with the community. Additionally, we want to bring consular services closer to Cubans living far from Toronto, in a country as vast as Canada, by taking consular services to other areas.
The second axis is tourism. Canada continues to be our main market for vacationers, and we want to recover and increase those results. Cuba remains a safe destination, with guarantees for tourists and for Cubans traveling to visit their relatives. We have worked with delegations from the Ministry of Tourism, airlines, tour operators, and specialized media to convey this message with truthful data and transparency.
Finally, what message do you send to the Latin American community in Canada?
Toronto and Canada, in general, are home to a very large and diverse Latin American community, with shared values, traditions, and history. My goal is to engage in their spaces, offer support when welcomed, and contribute from the Cuban experience. We believe in solidarity and unity; "in unity, there is strength." The consulate's doors are open not only to Cubans but to all friends who are supportive of our people. We have come to work, listen, and build bridges.
Taken from Correo Canadiense