Full Breakdown
Canadian Diplomats’ Havana-Syndrome Cases Prompt Calls for Independent Review
By Drooid · · How we work
Unexplained Ailments Among Canadian Embassy Staff in Havana
During 2016-2018, Canadian diplomats in Havana reported “Havana Syndrome” symptoms such as nosebleeds, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and memory loss. Ten diplomats and family members filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in 2019 alleging inadequate medical care and government concealment. The suit was amended in summer 2024 after U.S. media linked the symptoms to possible Russian-origin sonic or radio-frequency weapons.
Background and Context
Canadian and U.S. officials worked closely in Cuba, with a Canadian diplomat participating in the Global Security Reporting Program and sharing intelligence with American counterparts. A source said the United States introduced satellite equipment into Cuba under diplomatic cover. Former intelligence officials suggested Russia may have targeted the diplomats because of that cooperation. A joint investigation by *60 Minutes*, *Der Spiegel* and *The Insider* linked the illnesses to a radio-frequency-based energy weapon used by the Russian GRU unit 29155.
Data and Statistics
- Ten Canadian diplomats and family members filed the original lawsuit in 2019.
- The Justice Department invoked Section 38 of the Canada Evidence Act to keep new lawsuit details confidential.
- Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania examined 21 U.S. diplomats and concluded their injuries resembled concussions.
- A Pentagon-run test of a suspected sonic device has been briefed to U.S. intelligence committees.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he will be briefed on the “new information” and will determine a response after receiving those details, emphasizing the government’s “duty of care” to diplomats.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand framed the health issues as a human-resources matter for Global Affairs Canada and declined to reopen a 2024 interdepartmental report that found no evidence of a malicious foreign act.
Defence Minister David McGuinty refused to discuss satellite-technology sharing between Canada and the United States, citing confidentiality and national-security constraints.
The NSICOP secretariat issued a statement that it has no comment and will speak after a formal review is completed and the Prime Minister tables the report.
The Department of Global Affairs reiterated that there is “no definitive common cause” for the illnesses and declined further comment because the issue is before the courts.
Criticism & Opposition
- Paul Miller, counsel for the affected diplomats, called the minister’s response “extremely disappointing” and urged a determination of cause.
- Pamela Isfeld, president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, said diplomats and families have been treated “shabbily.”
- Peter Jones, former senior public-service official, warned Ottawa appears to be avoiding responsibility.
- Former CSIS officer Dan Stanton expressed confidence that Russia targeted the Canadians because of their alleged cooperation with U.S. intelligence.
- Former officials Andy Ellis, Martin Green and Mr. Green urged an NSICOP review, describing it as a “moral, ethical and legal responsibility.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Scientific explanations remain divided. Some researchers attribute the symptoms to concussion-like injuries; others suggest psychosomatic factors, pre-existing conditions, or environmental noise such as crickets. The government has not disclosed the specific evidence underpinning the lawsuit, citing Section 38, leaving a gap in public understanding of the alleged cause and any foreign interference.
What’s Next
The Prime Minister’s pending briefing and a possible NSICOP-initiated review are the primary avenues for further investigation. If NSICOP launches a formal inquiry, its findings will be reported to Parliament and posted publicly after the Prime Minister tables the report. Until then, the lawsuit remains sealed under national-security provisions, and the health status of affected diplomats continues to be monitored by families and legal representatives.
