February 20 2026

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), representing 450,000 members across Canada, is urging the federal government to respond without delay to the humanitarian crisis in Cuba.

The U.S oil blockade has left the Cuban people struggling with severe shortages of food, fuel, electricity and other basic necessities, placing enormous strain on everyday life.

New U.S. measures have deepened a crisis caused by decades of economic sanctions. These measures are crippling energy production and leading to widespread blackouts, disrupting hospitals, transportation, waste collection and other vital public services.

“As a result of U.S. actions, people in Cuba are suffering severe hardship,” said NUPGE President Bert Blundon. “When access to food, medicine, and basic services is used as a weapon, Canada and the international community must step in to protect human dignity and assist innocent people.”

NUPGE condemns the U.S. escalating sanctions, which are harming civilians. The National Union opposes U.S. efforts to undermine the sovereignty and self-determination of the peoples of Cuba, Venezuela, Greenland and other nations.

“We know that Canada’s own sovereignty is not immune from these pressures, and the federal government must take a clear stand against violations of international law.”

Blundon added that with Canada’s longstanding history of strong economic and diplomatic relations with Cuba, Prime Minister Carney has a responsibility to lead in this moment of humanitarian and geopolitical urgency.

He called on the federal government to:

• Send humanitarian aid and vital supplies, including fuel and medical resources, to help the Cuban people
• Maintain and strengthen Canada’s economic and diplomatic engagement with Cuba based on respect and cooperation
• Publicly defend the right of all nations to sovereignty and self-determination
• Speak out against actions that violate international law and threaten the well-being of individuals and communities