Mr. Speaker, recently the group Pastors for Peace attempted to transport humanitarian aid, namely medical supplies, computers and modems from Canada to Cuba via the United States. The computers were for a humanitarian Cuban medical project, INFOMED.
Last month these goods were seized by U.S. law enforcement personnel using totally unacceptable force under a U.S. law banning trading with the enemy. Five members of Pastors for Peace have been fasting for life since February 21, including Canadian Brian Rohatyn to protest this outrageous U.S. thuggery.
I call on our foreign minister to end his silence and demand the release of these Canadian donated medical supplies, to strongly condemn the illegal and immoral U.S. blockade of Cuba and the illegal Helms-Burton Bill.
The people of Canada must stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba at this very difficult time.