Canada announced $8 million in accelerated humanitarian aid for Cuba on Wednesday, as the island nation battles rolling blackouts, severe fuel shortages, and growing barriers to access to food and healthcare.

Canada said on Monday it plans to provide assistance to Cuba while the island grapples with fuel shortages after Washington moved to choke off Cuba's oil supplies.

OTTAWA — Conservative MP Jamil Jivani said that $8 million worth of Canadian aid to Cuba announced this week was sparked by a “moral panic” that is distracting the government from helping Canadians.

TORONTO (AP) — Air Canada said Monday it is suspending service to Cuba because of a shortage of aviation fuel on the island. Canada’s largest airline said it took the decision after the Cuban government announced aviation fuel would not be available at Cuban airports as of Tuesday.

The Canadian government is in a bind as it faces growing calls to help Cuba while the U.S. government attempts to choke off the island nation's fuel supplies. NDP interim Leader Don Davies and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet have both called on the Liberal government to send immediate aid to Cuba,

Canada announced that it is preparing a humanitarian aid package for Cuba as the island faces severe fuel shortages, blackouts, and mounting strain on its healthcare system.

Canada is preparing an assistance plan for Cuba as the island confronts fuel shortages triggered by tightened US restrictions on oil supplies