Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on Venezuela  

May 4, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on Venezuela:

“Canada is very troubled by the announcement by Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro that he will establish a constituent assembly to change the Venezuelan constitution, which will further escalate tensions in the country. This announcement follows the Venezuelan government’s concerning decision to withdraw from the Organization of American States [OAS].

"We urge the government and opposition to address their differences peacefully and in a manner that focuses on the legitimate concerns of the Venezuelan people. 

“We are working intensively with our OAS colleagues on this important issue, and on April 3, 2017, Canada co-sponsored an OAS resolution reiterating the call on Venezuela to restore constitutional order and respect for democratic rights.

“And on April 26, Canada along with 18 other countries, voted in favour of convening a meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of the region to consider the situation facing Venezuela.

“We call on the Government of Venezuela to release all political prisoners and set an electoral calendar without delay. Free and fair elections including all of Venezuela’s eligible voters are required to solve the country’s crisis.”

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