Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response to parts (a) to (d), approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.
Canada strongly advocates for freedom of expression throughout the world, including in Cuba.
Canada strongly supports the rights and democratic aspirations of the Cuban people. Cubans have the right to express themselves, and their voices should be heard. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has raised the importance of human rights with her Cuban counterpart, and Canadian officials regularly raise human rights issues at every opportunity, including during the recent political consultations held in Havana.
Through bilateral engagement, in-person meetings and phone calls, Canadian officials have had frank exchanges with Cuba on Canada’s continued concerns over crackdowns against peaceful protesters. Global Affairs Canada is aware that there are over 800 detainees following protests in July 2021 and has been monitoring any new developments. In October 2022, Canada joined with other like-minded countries to formally raise human rights concerns, including arbitrary detention, with the Cuban government.
Canada is committed to continuing this work through both dialogue and diplomatic pressure. Canada’s embassy regularly reports on human rights developments, including through a comprehensive human rights report on human rights to Cuba during the United Nations universal periodic review process, which will be conducted again in 2023. The embassy also regularly meets with like-minded countries to discuss recent events and developments on the human rights front.
Furthermore, Canada supports open dialogue to create the space for interested stakeholders to express their concerns and present ideas for constructive solutions to advancing human rights in Cuba and globally. For example, in November 2022, Canadian officials met with Democratic Spaces and Cuba Decide with respect to their recommendations to advance human rights in Cuba.
Finally, Canada is judicious in its approach to deploying sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use when appropriate. To that end, Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions, taking into consideration the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy tool box may be an appropriate response.