Leima Martínez Freire, Director of North America at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), paid a working visit to Canada from November 2 to 7, travelling to Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto.
In each of these cities, Martínez Freire met with Cuban residents, members of solidarity organizations and friends of Cuba in general. Discussions focused on the current situation in the largest of the Antilles, the effects of the Trump administration’s offensive against Cuba, and the prospects for the Cuban people's struggle to preserve their independence and sovereignty. Participants expressed concern over the tightening of coercive measures against Cuba and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to stand alongside the Cuban people.
Montreal: trade unions and peace
In Montreal, in addition to meeting with the Cuban community and solidarity organizations, Leima Martínez Freire held meetings with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain – CSN (CCMM–CSN).
During these exchanges, she addressed the impact of US measures on Cuba's economic sectors and workers, particularly tourism, on which thousands of Cuban families depend. She also emphasized the importance of coordination among trade union organizations, peace movements and solidarity groups to counter military threats in the region.
Halifax: history and solidarity
In Halifax, Martínez Freire met with members of solidarity organizations and friends of Cuba, and held discussions with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). She also gave an interview to CBC News.
In her remarks, she stressed that sanctions and pressure campaigns against Cuba are aimed not only at institutions or leaders, but also seek to discourage international solidarity and isolate the Cuban people. She drew on history to explain the continuity of US policy towards the Island and warned of the danger posed, in the current context, by the military deployment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Vancouver: humanitarian impact
In Vancouver, Leima Martínez Freire took part in two meetings. In her remarks, she focused in part on the humanitarian consequences of the tightening of sanctions, which affect access to medicines, medical supplies, food and other essential goods.
She denounced the fact that restrictions also extend to businesses, individuals, bank accounts and cooperation projects, explaining how these measures hinder the delivery of solidarity aid and supplies intended for hospitals, communities and social programmes. In this context, she expressed her gratitude for the work of Canadian organizations promoting campaigns to provide material assistance and denounce the aggression against Cuba.
Winnipeg: community resilience
In Winnipeg, the ICAP director placed particular emphasis on the challenges facing the Cuban population in everyday life, especially shortages and limitations affecting water, electricity, transportation and resources to assist older adults, sick people and those in vulnerable situations.
Martínez Freire explained that, despite these difficulties, schools, hospitals and social programmes remain operational, and that Cuba is pursuing transformations aimed at strengthening domestic production, food and energy sovereignty, and community-based care. She also highlighted the growing shared responsibility among state institutions, businesses and communities in responding to the most pressing needs.
Toronto: ties with Canada
In Toronto, Leima Martínez Freire spoke with Cuban residents, members of solidarity organizations and friends of Cuba about the long history of relations between the two countries and the impact of current coercive measures on people-to-people, economic and cultural exchanges.
She addressed the effects of restrictions and travel advisories on tourism, flights, workers in the sector and Cuban families who depend on these ties. At the same time, she thanked those who continue to visit the Island, send assistance or defend the truth about Cuba in the face of disinformation campaigns.
A call for solidarity
Throughout the tour, Leima Martínez Freire reiterated that Cuba poses no threat to anyone and that the Cuban people reject any military intervention or attempt to impose regime change from abroad. She called on Canadian organizations and friends of Cuba to continue strengthening solidarity, denouncing sanctions, and defending the Island's independence and sovereignty.
The visit followed Martínez Freire's participation in the Continental Meeting of the Americas, organized by the World Peace Council (WPC) in Montreal from October 30 to November 1, as well as the meeting of the organization's Executive Committee. These activities commemorated 70 years of struggle for a world of peace and social justice.