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e-4782 (Foreign affairs)

E-petition
Initiated by Kirenia Carbonell Dieguez from Gatineau, Quebec

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled

Whereas:
  • Canada recommended during the United Nations Human Rights Council to improve transparency and due process upon arrest and pre-trial, as well as during sentencing hearings especially for those detained for defending human rights during the July 11, 2021, and other protests;
  • The Cuban military regime condemns the broader population to extreme poverty and near-starvation, all the while exploiting laborers, particularly in the tourism and healthcare sectors that cater to foreign clientele;
  • The Cuban totalitarian regime also constitutes a security threat to global freedom, given its alliances with dreadful autocracies like Iran, North Korea, China, Belarus, and Russia, not to mention its support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine; and
  • Canada imposes sanctions to transatlantic dictators while it entertains bilateral, political, and trade relations with Cuban dictators.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to:
1. Urge the Canadian government to demand that the Cuban totalitarian regime promptly release all political prisoners and detainees, and that it stop the harassment towards their family, dissidents, opposition, and human rights activits;
2. Enact a resolution to censure the unelected Cuban regime for its severe and pervasive human rights abuses, mirroring the steps taken by the European Parliament and the Congress of Costa Rica;
3. Recognize Cuban-Canadians, whether citizens or permanent residents, as a voice of dissidence or political opposition to the Cuban regime in Canada with the right to present in Parliament, the Senate, and other forums in legitimate opposition to the diplomatic representation of the Cuban dictatorial regime; and
4. Engage in discourse with Cuba’s pro-democracy civil society to ascertain pathways for restoring stability in Cuba and setting the stage for a democratic transition.

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant

Canada recognizes the contributions, whether it be cultural or economic, that Cuban-Canadians bring to Canada. Canada and Cuba enjoy a constructive relationship based on a long tradition of mutually beneficial partnerships in a range of sectors, commercial relations and close interpersonal ties. Canada is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Government of Canada 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. 

The Government of Canada maintains an open and constructive dialogue with the Government of Cuba on a range of human rights issues. In addition to its bilateral engagement, Canada actively participates in multilateral forums and organizations that address human rights concerns globally. Canada strongly advocates for freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to peaceful assembly free from intimidation.  Canada works collaboratively with international partners to advocate for universal human rights and encourage Cuba to strengthen its alignment with its international human rights obligations and standards, including through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.  

Canada will continue to engage with Cuba to promote human rights.

Open for signature
January 31, 2024, at 10:42 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
May 30, 2024, at 10:42 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Pierre Paul-Hus (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles)
June 10, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02546)
Government response tabled
August 21, 2024
Photo - Pierre Paul-Hus
Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles
Conservative Caucus
Quebec