The Canadian position on Cuba since 1959 has proved advantageous for both countries economically, educationally, and culturally. Canadian engagement with Cuba, which has always been constructive, owes much to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. His policy, still in effect today, was to construct “a normal relationship . . . one in which both sides politely agree to disagree on certain policy questions.” Although Canada’s current government, led by Conservative Stephen Harper, initially signaled that it would adopt a new strategy towards Cuba, like its predecessors it has instead chosen engagement over isolation. It is unclear whether this approach will result in the constructive changes that have long been championed by Canadian policymakers, but since 1959 Canada’s approach to Cuba has been remarkably consistent.