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Ottawa — Canada has reiterated its long-standing refusal to recognize the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reaffirming support for democratic governance and the Venezuelan people as political tensions persist in the South American country.
In a statement issued on Saturday January 3, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada continues to oppose what it describes as repression by the Maduro administration and remains aligned with international partners in monitoring developments.
“Since 2019, when Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela, we have refused to recognize any legitimacy of the Maduro regime and opposed its repression of the Venezuelan people, including the persecution of dissenters and particularly political leaders opposed to the regime,” Anand said.
Canada has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government since disputed elections and allegations of human rights abuses escalated political instability. Ottawa was among several countries that recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019, a position it has maintained despite shifting international dynamics.
Anand said Canada’s position is grounded in its broader commitment to democratic principles and international law.
“In keeping with our long-standing commitment to uphold the rule of law and to democracy, Canada stands by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society,” she said, adding that Canada is calling “on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold international law.”
The statement comes as Venezuela continues to face economic hardship, political polarization, and international scrutiny over governance and civil liberties. Canada has previously supported diplomatic efforts and multilateral pressure, including targeted sanctions, aimed at encouraging democratic reforms in the country.
According to Global Affairs Canada, Ottawa is coordinating with allies while closely following the situation on the ground. “Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely,” Anand said.
The federal government also emphasized its consular responsibilities, noting that assistance remains available for Canadians currently in Venezuela. “Canada stands ready to assist Canadians in Venezuela in need through our consular officials and embassy in Bogotá, Colombia,” the minister added.
Canada closed its embassy in Caracas in 2019 due to security concerns, shifting consular services for Venezuela to its mission in Colombia.
Global Affairs Canada did not specify what further actions Ottawa may take but indicated that its approach will continue to prioritize diplomacy, international cooperation, and support for democratic outcomes in Venezuela.
The Prime Minister said Canada’s new government moved quickly in 2025 to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s government, citing serious human rights abuses, corruption, and violations of international law. Canada has not recognized Maduro’s legitimacy since the disputed 2018 election and continues to support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition to democracy. The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s commitment to multilateral engagement, respect for international law, and support for the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their own future, while reaffirming assistance for Canadians in the region and continued support for Venezuelan refugees.
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