Canada and Cuba: Past and Present

This webinar will delve into the historical, political, and social dynamics shaping the relationship between Cuba and Canada. We will be joined by Aminah Sheikh, Owen Schalk & Prof Isaac Saney who will shed light on current Canadian policy, uncover Canada’s historical engagement with Cuba, unravel foreign policy myths and delve into current media attitudes. The discussion will also address the lessons we can learn from Cuba, and the need for genuine solidarity.

Join us to deepen your understanding of Canada’ relationship and impact in Cuba and to learn about the importance of genuine solidarity with the island nation.

SPEAKERS

Aminah Sheikh is a Union Organizer in Canada. She completed her Masters in Globalisation and Development with specialisation in Gender at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Recently, she was elected to the Executive of the Canada Cuba Friendship Association, and received a scholarship to attend the annual Che Guevara Brigade. She believes in continuing her work with worker to worker, and union to union solidarity work.

Owen Schalk is a columnist at Canadian Dimension, and has written for Alborada, Monthly Review, Protean Magazine, and many other publications. His journalistic work focuses on Canada’s domestic and foreign policy. He is the author of Canada in Afghanistan: A History of Military, Diplomatic, Political and Media Failure, 2003-2023.

Prof Isaac Saney teaches at Dalhousie University and holds a PhD in history from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. His teaching has encompassed courses on Africa, the Caribbean, Cuba, and Black Canadian history. He is the author of the widely acclaimed book Cuba: A Revolution in Motion (2004) as well as Cuba, Africa, and Apartheid’s End: Africa’s Children Return! (2023) He is also an Adjunct Professor in history at Saint Mary’s University.

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Moderator: Bianca Mugyenyi

Host: Canadian Foreign Policy Institute