Cuba CanadaHistory of the Cuba Canada RelationshipTies between the two nations unofficially began in the 1700s, with Canadian ships traversing the Atlantic coastline to offer for sale fish and beer to Cuba. Typically the ships would return home with stocks of rum and sugar, which were major products of Cuba. In 1945, official diplomatic ties were made when Canada assigned Emile Vaillancourt as representative to Cuba. According to the Canadian government’s official website, the Canadian embassy in Cuba acts as a symbol of the strong relations between the two nations. Canada is quick to recognize Cuba’s achievement in the fields of education and medicine, while encouraging Cuba to continue to develop its human rights reputation, an area of concern for many other countries.Differentiating Itself from US Cuba RelationsDuring the tense decades of the 1950s and 1960s, the US took aggressive measures against Cuba, through naval blockades, invasions, nuclear war simulations, attempted regime change, and the fifty year old trade embargo that is still in existence. Canada never took place in any of these hostile actions despite pressure from the US to do so. In 1976, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau became the first leader of a nation belonging to NATO to step foot in Cuba since the long-standing US trade embargo started in the 1960s. Fidel Castro, Cuba’s revolutionary leader and long-time political supremo, visited Canada in 1959, after completing the Cuban Revolution. Returning in 2000 for the funeral of Prime Minister Trudeau, Castro was an honored pallbearer in the ceremony. Some scholars like John Kirk and Peter McKenna, who wrote books on the topic, believe that Cuba Canada relations should be an example to the US on how to maintain proper ties with neighboring nations.Cuba Canada Economic relationsCanada and Cuba have been increasing their commercial ties each year, with annual trade volume equivalent to around $1 billion. Canada consistently ranks in the top 5 list of import and export partners with Cuba. Canada typically buys goods such as sugar, nickel, fish, cigars, fruit, coffee, and pharmaceutical products. In return, Cuba usually buys goods from Canada like machinery, oil, packaged foods, equipment, and chemicals. Several major Canadian companies trade directly with Cuba. Many others such as Labatt and Sherritt operate in the country. The recent discovery of large oil and natural gas deposits off the coast of Cuba will likely favor Canada when the oil industry sections off the oil fields for exploration.Canadian Travel to CubaCuban Canadian tourism is a vital part of the Cuban economy, and no country contributes directly like Canada does. Tourism numbers are reaching 1,000,000 Canadians per year visiting Cuba, according to the Canadian government. This means that roughly one third of all foreign travelers to Cuba are Canadian. In return for this large share of tourism, Cuba offers special visa types for Canadians to stay for up to 90 days per visa, while nationals from other countries are only given 30 days per visa. Additionally, visitor cards are given to Canadians free of charge, while citizens of other countries must purchase them before being allowed to enter Cuba. Traveling to Cuba is very easy, according to the Canadian embassy in Cuba.Vacation Spots on the Island - Canada Cuban HollidaysThere are countless things to do on the beautiful island of Cuba. From white sand beaches to historical squares, the diversity of attractions here is wide. This is why Cuba Canada tourism is so common. Check out a time capsule section of Havana, in Old Havana. The buildings, food, cars, and customs are similar to what they were decades ago. Over in Santiago, visiting the emotional Revolution Place, where Castro and Guevara passed through on their valiant march to Havana, will be a highlight of the trip. Back in Havana, taking a tour of the Partagas cigar factory usually ranks high on visitors’ to-do lists.SummaryObviously, the Cuba travel Canada situation is quite amicable for both sides. Due to a long history of friendly relations, Canadian travelers experience the joys of Cuba, while most of their American counterparts miss out. Economically, Canada and Cuba will continue to benefit from more Canada Cuba projects in the coming years.Search for more detailed info in HAVANA-GUIDE 
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