Canadians Leanne Isaak and Elise Hjalmarson are currently on a humanitarian mission in Cuba, having brought 14 suitcases filled with medical supplies and other essential goods to distribute across the island. This effort comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with severe power outages, leaving many of its 11 million residents without electricity for extended periods.

The situation in Cuba has worsened significantly following the removal of Venezuela’s leader in January, which halted critical petroleum shipments to the island. Just last week, Cuba’s electric grid collapsed, resulting in an island-wide blackout that has left citizens in a state of uncertainty.

Leanne Isaak shared the sentiments of many Cubans, stating, “People say, ‘I may not get power again for three days so I’m going to do everything that I need to do in this one or two-hour time-frame to prepare for the next chunk of time when I’m just going to try to keep going.'” Her observations highlight the desperation and resilience of the Cuban people amid ongoing challenges.

According to Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Canada has become Cuba’s largest foreign investor after Spain, indicating a significant economic relationship. However, the Canadian Commercial Corporation has ceased assisting new entries into the Cuban market due to rising financial risks, reflecting the complexities of doing business in the current climate.

Sherritt International, a Canadian company operating in Cuba, reported a staggering debt of $344 million owed by the Cuban government. This financial strain is compounded by a broader economic crisis, with many Canadian companies facing difficulties due to U.S. sanctions and the overall economic situation in Cuba.

The tourism sector in Cuba is particularly hard-hit, with hotels struggling to provide basic services. Maria Werlau, an industry expert, noted, “The operating environment is near collapse. In the hotels, there’s shortages of food, there’s no electricity, no water, poor service, poor maintenance.” This crisis in tourism not only affects the economy but also the livelihoods of many Cubans dependent on this sector.

Historically, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuela for fuel, and the recent political changes have exacerbated the energy crisis. The humanitarian mission led by Isaak and Hjalmarson aims to alleviate some of the immediate suffering by distributing medical supplies and food to various locations across the island.

As observers watch the unfolding situation, there is a growing concern about the long-term implications for Canada-Cuba relations. While the humanitarian efforts are commendable, the underlying economic challenges and the impact of U.S. sanctions continue to pose significant hurdles. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of Canadian investments in Cuba and the potential for recovery in the tourism sector.

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