The Cuban regime has publicly called upon Canada to uphold its longstanding support for the annual United Nations resolution demanding an end to the U.S. embargo, scheduled for Wednesday the 28th. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has refrained from committing to a vote, offering a deliberately vague response, as reported by The Canadian Press.
Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Cuba's ambassador in Ottawa, directly appealed to Canada's loyalty, stating, "We trust that Canada will stand with us, as it has in the past." He emphasized that the embargo is "practically killing people" and that Havana is "ready for dialogue" with Washington.
The response from Canada's Global Affairs ministry, responsible for the country's diplomatic relations, was anything but definitive. Spokesperson Thida Ith mentioned, "As with all UN resolutions, Canada's voting position is being considered before the vote."
Furthermore, she highlighted that Ottawa continues to urge the Cuban government to pursue "necessary reforms to respect the political and economic rights of the Cuban people and to release all political prisoners."
Canada's ambiguous stance is not unprecedented. Last July, it abstained from a procedural vote authorizing an extraordinary UN debate on the embargo, joining 29 other nations, thereby breaking its usual pattern of unconditional support for Havana.
Canada is not the only historical ally wavering. Germany may also alter its vote for the first time in 24 years. Berlin, which has backed the resolution since 2002, has yet to declare its position for Wednesday, according to official communication from its Foreign Ministry.
According to Malmierca, Washington is leveraging threats to sway other countries' votes. He claimed that Cuba is "not naive" and understands that Canada faces its own economic pressures from the Trump administration. "This year is a particular moment due to all this aggression from the U.S. government against Cuba," he remarked.
On the opposing side, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz organized an event last week to present the international community with evidence of the Cuban regime's political repression, corruption, and abuses.
The Roots of Economic Strain
Behind the diplomatic uncertainty lies a bilateral economic relationship that has been deteriorating even before the Trump administration's current pressure on the regime.
Documents obtained by The Canadian Press revealed that in February 2023, Canada's Deputy Minister of Global Affairs met in Havana with representatives from the National Bank of Canada, mining company Sherritt, and hotel chain Blue Diamond to express support amid Cuba's payment defaults. The document warned that "Canadian companies face growing payment delays from Cuban buyers" and that the situation "threatens their sustainability."
In May 2026, Sherritt exited Cuba following new U.S. sanctions, with Cuba owing at least $277 million; Blue Diamond also ceased operations on the island, and Air Canada suspended flights since February due to aviation fuel shortages. The regime attributes these departures to Washington's pressure.
International support for Cuba's UN resolution is plummeting: from 187 favorable votes in 2024 to 165 in October 2025, marking the worst result in over three decades.
Wednesday's vote will determine if Canada, one of the regime's most steadfast partners for decades, finally decides to distance itself.
Canada's Position on the UN Embargo Vote
Will Canada support the UN resolution against the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
Canada has not yet committed to a position and stated that its voting stance is still under consideration.
Why is Canada reconsidering its position on the Cuban embargo resolution?
Canada is facing economic pressures and is urging Cuba to implement necessary political and economic reforms.
How has Canada's relationship with Cuba changed recently?
Canada's relationship with Cuba has been strained due to payment delays and economic pressures, leading Canadian companies to withdraw from the island.