Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed Canada’s support for the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination and the building of their future in a peaceful and democratic manner. Carney emphasized that Canada does not recognize Nicolás Maduro’s regime due to the 2018 election controversy. He highlighted Canada’s stance for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for Venezuela.
Carney reiterated Canada’s backing for a peaceful, negotiated, Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the will of the Venezuelan people and calls for adherence to international law. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro following a large-scale strike in Venezuela.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed no reports of Canadian casualties in the attacks and advised Canadians in Venezuela to seek consular assistance from the Canadian Embassy in Bogota. The U.S. Attorney General announced indictments against Maduro and his wife in New York. Trump stated that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela until a safe and proper transition is achieved.
This marks the most significant U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed the Prime Minister’s stance on Maduro’s regime, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law.
Opposition parties reacted differently, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre applauding Trump’s actions, while NDP and Bloc Québécois criticized the U.S.’s intervention as illegal and contrary to international law. The Green Party denounced the strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro as violations of international law and destabilizing actions.
