The announcement of a change of relations between the United States and Cuba, made simultaneously in the U.S. by President Barack Obama and in Cuba by President Raul Castro, was met with both support and criticism.
In Canada, Prime Minsiter Stephen Harper acknowledged that the change was overdue, and thanked President Obama for mentioning that meetings between U.S.and Cuban representatives were held in Canada. It appears Canadian diplomats were not involved in the actual negotiations, but representatives from the Vatican were.
In 1976, then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau paid a controversial visit to Cuba. (Photo: CBC)
Canada never broke off relations with Cuba after the revolution, and particularly in the early years, that decision irked the Americans.
In 1976, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau made a controversial visit to Cuba, which set the stage for a friendship with President Fidel Castro so strong that in 2000 when Trudeau died, Castro was one of his pallbearers at the funeral in the city of Montreal.
RCI’s Wojtek Gwiazda has a report.
ListenMore information:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statement on U.S.-Cuba agreement – here
CBC TV mini-documentary on PM Trudeau trip to Cuba in 1976 – here
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