QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Canada-Cuba Relations
November 24, 2021
It’s nice, Senator Gold, that we’re always discussing these issues with our partners and relying on international help, but Canada is a G7 country that should stand up for its Canadian citizens, as well as for liberties and civil rights around the world.
Senator Gold, while we’re on the topic of detained Canadians, has Minister Joly or anyone from her office managed to provide consular service to Michael Carey Abadin, the Canadian citizen being held in Cuba as part of a crackdown by the authoritarian regime in that country against political dissidents and pro-democracy protesters?
We’re told by Mr. Abadin’s family that this 19-year-old, who is in poor health and has been denied proper medical treatment, has also been denied assistance from the Canadian embassy. Has that changed? If not, why? What is Mélanie Joly waiting for in giving support to this young Canadian detained in Cuba?
Thank you for your question and for underlining the unacceptable situation that this young Canadian faces in Cuba. The Canadian government continues to make every effort to ensure that Canadians who are detained abroad receive equitable treatment. Every consular case is unique and the assistance we’re able to provide will vary with the circumstances.
I’m advised that the Canadian government is engaged with Cuban officials and continues to work to seek consular access to the individual, and that consular officials maintain regular contact and will continue to provide support to the individual’s family. I’m also advised that, due to privacy considerations, no further information may be disclosed at this juncture.
