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e-5014 (Foreign affairs)

E-petition
Initiated by Pierre Hivon from Ste-Marcelline,

Original language of petition: French

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • The Quebec and Canadian people have numerous and significant economic, historical and cultural ties with the Cuban people;
  • The blockade of Cuba has lasted for 60 years and Canada is opposed to it;
  • The international community has repeatedly shown its support for the Cuban people, particularly through votes at the United Nations General Assembly;
  • The embargo has led to more severe shortages that affect the daily lives of Cuban residents; and
  • American economic sanctions and the economic blockade against Cuba violate international law, as well as the right to self-determination and the human rights of the Cuban people.
We, the undersigned residents of Quebec and Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to
1. Ask United States representatives, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to lift the blockade against Cuba as well as to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism;
2. Reaffirm the importance of the Cuban people’s human rights, which must be respected, and denounce the blockade against Cuba as one of the key barriers to the Cuban people’s full enjoyment of their human rights;
3. Act immediately to preserve the sovereignty of Quebec and Canada, ensuring that Quebec and Canadian corporations and other entities, particularly governmental ones, do not participate in the American economic sanctions against Cuba; and
4. Ensure that Quebec and Canadian relations with Cuba continue to be based on equality and respect for sovereignty, independence and the right to self-determination.

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant

Canada acknowledges that the United States (U.S.) embargo has a negative impact on the living conditions of the Cuban people and on Canadians conducting legitimate trade and investment in Cuba. Canada has adopted measures to mitigate the extraterritorial effects of the U.S. embargo against Cuba through the enactment of the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (1985) and subsequent orders. Moreover, Canada has consistently voted in favour of Cuba’s annual resolution at the United Nations General Assembly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo. Canada also puts forward its views related to the economic measures in regular dialogue with counterparts both from Cuba and the U.S. Canada also recognizes that the side effects and consequences of the embargo do not contribute to a stable economic situation in Cuba and thus, hinder Cubans’ ability to live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The Government of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Government continuously monitors the situation in Cuba and works actively to promote the respect for human rights in Cuba through diplomatic channels, international collaboration as well as through international assistance to the people of Cuba, which includes support for the valuable work of Cuban civil society members. 

Global Affairs Canada will continue to engage with both countries to promote human rights, democracy and inclusive growth as well as to address regional challenges.

Open for signature
June 18, 2024, at 1:03 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
October 16, 2024, at 1:03 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Gabriel Ste-Marie (Joliette)
October 23, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02724)
Government response tabled
December 6, 2024
Photo - Gabriel Ste-Marie
Joliette
Bloc Québécois Caucus
Quebec