The Trudeau approaches to Canada-Cuba relations: Like father, like son?

Abstract

This article seeks to examine the storied Canadian-Cuban relationship—with a specific focus on the two Trudeau Liberal governments (Pierre Elliott, 1968–1984, and his son, Justin, 2015–present). Accordingly, it poses a series of probing and illuminating questions about the “why” of Canada-Cuba relations. The central purpose of this narrative, then, is twofold: 1) to identify the nature and extent of both Pierre Elliott Trudeau's and Justin Trudeau's Cuba policies and 2) to explain the similarities and differences between the two prime ministers’ approaches to Cuba and why exactly key points of departure exist. It will also conclude with some general thoughts or observations on the contours of Canadian-Cuban relations during the two Trudeau periods.