Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, issued a statement on protests taking place in Cuba over access to food, medicine, and democratic rights: 

“Canada’s Conservatives stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba who are peacefully assembling to advocate for democratic freedoms, and basic necessities like food, water, and medicine, as the country grapples with rising COVID-19 cases and the worst economic crisis since the 1990s.

“For too long, Cuba has been ruled by ruthless dictators who have curtailed the rights and freedoms of its people and committed terrible acts of oppression, murder, and tyranny. While the lost decades of opportunity can never be returned, we can support the Cuban people by defending human rights, the rule of law, freedom, and democracy.

“The struggle for freedom that the Cuban people are fighting for matters. They deserve to live a life free of oppression, where they have access to the basic democratic rights and amenities we so often take for granted in a country such as our own.

“In contrast, Mr. Trudeau has voiced strong support for the Castro regime, once referring to Fidel Castro as, ‘a legendary revolutionary and orator’ who has a ‘tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people.’ In fact, the Castro regime is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Cubans. 

“We can’t afford more of Mr. Trudeau’s glowing admiration for dictatorships. If you are not concerned about your government supporting democratic rights around the world, then you have four parties to choose from. If you are, then there is only one choice: Canada’s Conservatives.”