Canada announced Wednesday the immediate release of $8 million in accelerated funding for vulnerable people in Cuba as that country grapples with worsening living conditions.
"Cuba is facing rapidly worsening conditions driven by severe fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts and growing barriers to accessing food and health care," said a statement by Global Affairs Canada, while pointing to the continued energy crisis increasing the "vulnerability" of millions of Cubans.
"Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced an accelerated funding of $8 million to be released immediately to scale-up food and nutrition for vulnerable Cubans," it said.
The statement said the funding forms part of an international assistance program designed to strengthen local food security and nutrition, delivered in partnership with the World Food Program and the UN Children's Fund.
Noting that Canada is monitoring the situation in Cuba, it stated that Ottawa continues to maintain "close contact with its partners" regarding the situation in Cuba.
"As the people of Cuba face significant hardship, Canada stands in solidarity and is providing targeted assistance to help address urgent needs," Anand said in the statement, adding that Canada is "delivering timely support to vulnerable communities and reaffirming Canada's commitment to the well-being and dignity of the Cuban people."
Cuba is facing its deepest economic crisis in decades as the US has intensified pressure on the island in recent weeks by moving to block oil shipments, including supplies from ally Venezuela.
The measure has driven up food and transportation costs, caused severe fuel shortages and led to prolonged nationwide blackouts.
By Merve Aydogan in Hamilton, Canada
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr