I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 24 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the committee is meeting on the humanitarian situation in Cuba.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to protect the health and safety of both the participants and the interpreters.
Please note that today's meeting is taking place, exceptionally, with interpretation services in Spanish in addition to the two official languages. We would like to thank the team of interpreters who are with us today. Members and witnesses simply need to select the appropriate channel on the console located on the seat in the room or through the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few more comments.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses for the first hour.
From the Cuban Canadians Coalition, we have Kirenia Carbonell, public relations director; Raimet Martinez, president; and David Mederos, member.
From Citizens and Freedom, we have Carolina Barrero Ferrer, president and chief executive officer, by video conference.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we'll proceed with rounds of questions.
I now invite Kirenia Carbonell, public relations director of the Cuban Canadians Coalition, to make an opening statement of up to five minutes.
Bienvenido.