April 10, 2020
Open Letter to Members of Parliament in Toronto, Ontario
Dear Member of Parliament:
This is an exceptional time. Your government has done several exceptional things in fighting COVID-19 and in attempting to alleviate its financial impact.
However, it is also time to speak out and stand up against the aggressive, immoral sanctions by the United States government.
When the US government stopped the 3M shipment of life saving masks it was a stunning moment for Canadians. How could this be, in a pandemic, and a time of incredible need!
Perhaps with this you could imagine how the Cuban people feel when a shipload of medical supplies donated by Alibaba Foundation of China was stopped due to the U.S. sanctions. This is deplorable, particularly when Cuba is suffering from increasing tightening of the US blockade.
This is the blockade that Canada voted against, along with the massive majority of other nations at the UN General Assembly last fall. Unfortunately, the US government has ignored the United Nations condemnation and appeals to end its decades old blockade against Cuba. Instead it has tightened the economic, commercial and financial blockade.
During this pandemic, one bright spot has been the selfless, compassionate response of Cuba, sending humanitarian assistance to 15 countries in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. This at a time when it is fighting the virus at home, while facing its own limited resources due to the US blockade.
Cuba has developed Interferon Alfa 2B Recombinant (IFNrec) which it is using in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-five countries have requested this medicine from Cuba. The March 24 Newsweek published an article, “Cuba Uses ‘Wonder Drug” to Fight Coronavirus Around the World Despite U.S. sanctions,”
We urge the Canadian government to add this drug to its research into combatting the pandemic. The virus knows no borders. Out efforts need to go beyond borders and collaborate with Cuban doctors who have successful experience fighting against Ebola in West Africa.
We urge you to use your voice strongly to oppose the US blockade against Cuba, including its extraterritorial aspects that affect Canadians, and which is contrary to our own laws.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented actions. We look forward to your response.
Yours truly,
Elizabeth Hill, President, Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Toronto
Canadian-Cuban Friendship Association Toronto
P.O.Box 99051- 1245 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario M6H 4H7 Tel: 647.501.1219 Fax: 905-951- 7629 Website: www.ccfatoronto.ca e-mail ccfatoronto@sympatico.ca Established 1977