Cuba's leader, Miguel Diaz-Canel, blames U.S. sanctions for discontent. Canada expresses concern The United States stands with the people of Cuba in their call for freedom and relief from the coronavirus pandemic and decades of repression, President Joe Biden said on Monday as the streets of Havana appeared quiet a day after rare public protests. Global Affairs Canada, meanwhile, said it is closely monitoring the situation in Cuba and concerned by recent events. Canada supports the right to freedom of expression and assembly and calls on all parties to uphold this fundamental right, a Global Affairs spokesperson told CBC News via email.