Canada stands with people of Venezuela following popular consultation

July 16, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

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

“Canada congratulates the people of Venezuela for exercising their democratic rights today during the national unofficial vote on the government’s plan to rewrite the constitution and the political future of their country.

“While this public consultation was unofficial, the millions who had the courage to participate, in spite of cowardly violence and censorship, sent a clear signal to the government of Venezuela: Venezuelans rightfully want to hold onto the fundamental rights enshrined in their 1999 constitution.

“Canada calls on the Venezuela government to cancel the national constituent assembly and enter into negotiations with the opposition, in order to restore constitutional order in a manner that focuses on the legitimate concerns of the Venezuelan people. Further, we renew our call on the government to release all political prisoners and set an electoral calendar without delay.

“Only by respecting the sovereignty of the people can Venezuela protect the rights of its citizens, preserve social order and resolve the ongoing crisis.”

Quick facts

• On July 5, 2017, the Venezuelan national assembly endorsed plans to hold a national, unofficial public consultation on July 16 to let Venezuelans have their say on the government’s plan to rewrite the constitution.

Associated links

• Canada and the Venezuela crisis

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