Statement from Government of Canada for Canadians doing business in Cuba

May 3, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada and Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today issued the following statement regarding Canadian businesses operating in Cuba:

“As of May 2, 2019, the United States government has fully implemented Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996, commonly known as the Helms-Burton Act.

“Canada’s opposition to the Helms-Burton Act is based on the principles of international law and reflects our long-standing objection to the extraterritorial application of laws by another country.

“Canada has had measures in place since 1996 under its Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (FEMA) to help protect Canadians and Canadian businesses and the workers they employ. Our FEMA legislation is strong and we are prepared to apply it.

“As stated in FEMA, no judgment issued under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act will be recognized or enforced in any manner in Canada. FEMA also allows Canadians to use Canadian courts to sue the person who has initiated an action under Helms-Burton, even while proceedings are still ongoing. This will allow Canadians to recover any amounts that have been obtained against them, including legal expenses, and losses or damages incurred.

“The Government of Canada will always defend Canadians and Canadian businesses conducting legitimate trade and investment with Cuba, and is reviewing all options in response to the US decision. Canada will also continue to work with our international partners, including the EU, to stand up for our businesses.”

Quick facts

• The Helms-Burton Act came into force in the United States in 1996. The act aims to prevent foreign countries from engaging in international trade with Cuba by subjecting foreign nationals to travel restrictions and financial liabilities in the United States. Until January 2019, successive U.S. administrations had continuously suspended, in six month increments, the application of Title III (financial liabilities).
• On April 17, 2019, the U.S. Secretary of State announced that Title III of the Helms-Burton Act would be fully implemented on May 2. The U.S. also indicated that it will be taking action regarding the application of Title IV of this legislation.
• In 1996, the Government of Canada amended FEMA to mitigate the extraterritorial effects of the Helms-Burton Act and to offer explicit legal protections for Canadian businesses.

Associated links

• Government of Canada will defend interests of Canadians doing business in Cuba
• Helms-Burton Act and Canadians doing business in Cuba
• Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act