Harper Admits Canada’s Role of Facilitating Cuba-U.S. Talks

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Canada has highlighted its role of allowing senior Cuban and American officials to meet secretly at undisclosed locations in Ottawa and Toronto for the past 18 months drafting a possible new dramatic relationship between their two countries. It was recalled as a spy novel type scenario when the representatives of both countries met secretly in commercial establishments and government buildings. The details or existence of these meeting were known by only a handful of Canadian officials who helped facilitate the unprecedented sessions.

In an announcement by the U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday, it was finally revealed that the United States and Cuba were moving to end their 50-year diplomatic standoff. In addition to that, the president acknowledged the role of Canada for acting as host for the discussions. Whereas in repose to that, Prime Minister Stephen Harper played down Canada’s role and welcomed the development. He mentioned that “I don’t want to exaggerate Canada’s role,” adding that “we facilitated places where the two countries could have a dialogue and explore ways of normalizing the relationship. That’s what we did and we think it’s a good development, probably an overdue development.”

Furthermore, Mr. Harper clarified that Canada was not a part of the talks and “we were not trying in any way to direct or mediate the talks.” He alleged that “I personally believe changes are coming in Cuba and this will facilitate those. But look, I’m pleased the president acknowledged our role in this.” In his remarks about Cuba, he said that “I think that’s an economy and a society just overdue for entering into the 21st century.”