'People are fed up': Edmontonians advocate for 'freedom' of Cuba amid growing unrest
The rising crisis in Cuba has the local Cuban community in Edmonton concerned over the violence that’s escalating in their home country.
“They are protesting the shortages, they are protesting the bad government, and they are protesting the lack of freedoms, fundamental freedoms so we’re here to support them, to make aware the people of Canada what the people of Cuba is going through,” Vlad Fuentes, a protester, said.
Dozens of people gathered in Edmonton on Tuesday demanding better living conditions in Cuba as widespread unrest grips the country amid a worsening economic crisis.
“It’s like a perfect storm right now,” Fuentes explained.
“We had a pandemic and the government’s response has been terrible. People are fed up.”
COVID-19 shut down Cuba’s lucrative tourism industry leaving the economy crippled. This led to shortages of food, medicine and essential goods.
Cuba has blamed the unrest on the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S.
- Cuba blames unrest on U.S. ‘asphyxiation’ as Biden backs protests
- One reported dead in anti-government protests in Cuba
- Demonstrators in Havana protest shortages, rising prices
Lily Martinez's parents came to Canada 30 years ago so her and her sister could have a better life. She’s now concerned for her loved ones back home as the country is in turmoil.
“Our families are dying,” Martinez said. “We want freedom for our family.
“I want my dad to see his country free before he dies.”
Martinez says they're having a hard time reaching family in Cuba as internet access on the island has been disrupted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.