Solidarity with Cuba was once again evident in different cities across western Canada, where friends of Cuba, members of solidarity organizations, and members of the Cuban community held meetings with the Consul General of Cuba in Toronto, Víctor Manuel García Sánchez.
During his tour of Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary, the Cuban diplomat participated in various activities organized by solidarity groups, providing opportunities to exchange views on the reality of Cuba and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Cuba and Canada.
Vancouver: A Show of Solidarity and Friendship
In Vancouver, friends of Cuba gathered to express their solidarity with and support for the Cuban people and to voice their opposition to the measures and sanctions imposed by the Government of the United States against the island.
Consul General Víctor Manuel García Sánchez participated in the gathering and thanked those present for their expressions of solidarity, friendship and affection toward the Cuban people.
The gathering represented another expression of the bonds of friendship that unite Cuba with sectors of Canadian society and of these groups’ willingness to continue standing alongside the Cuban people.
Victoria: Meeting with Friends of Cuba and the Cuban Community
In the city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island, the Consul General participated in a program organized by Victoria Friends of Cuba, which included various meetings with friends of Cuba, members of the Cuban community, and representatives of solidarity organizations.
During the exchanges, García Sánchez provided information on the current situation in Cuba and explained, from the perspective of the Cuban Government, the impact of U.S. measures and so-called secondary sanctions on the island’s economy and Cuban families.
The diplomat also expressed his gratitude for the demonstrations of friendship and solidarity received in Victoria and highlighted the importance of these spaces for dialogue in continuing to strengthen the historic ties between the peoples of Cuba and Canada.
The visit coincided with activities held around International Day of Peace. One of them, held in Victoria on September 19, was attended by the Consul General.
Calgary: Solidarity and Dialogue on the Cuban Reality
As part of his visit to Calgary, the Consul General participated in a solidarity gathering organized by the Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association (CCFA Calgary) and other solidarity groups.
During the exchange, García Sánchez briefed participants on the situation in Cuba and addressed the consequences that, according to his explanation, the unilateral coercive measures adopted by the United States have for the Cuban economy, including secondary sanctions and restrictions affecting access to fuel and other resources.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to engage in dialogue with friends of Cuba and Cuban residents in Calgary about the reality of the island, as well as to exchange views on ways to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Canada.
The event was attended by Lizette Tejada, Member of the Alberta Provincial Parliament.
Building Bridges of Friendship Between Cuba and Canada
The activities held in Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary are part of the exchanges maintained by the Consulate General of Cuba in Toronto with solidarity organizations and Cuban communities in different Canadian provinces.
The Consul General’s participation in these events provided an opportunity to share information about the reality of Cuba, hear the concerns and views of participants, and express gratitude for the demonstrations of friendship toward Cuba.
From western Canada, friends of Cuba reiterated their willingness to continue building bridges of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.