Canada recognizes the interim President of Venezuela

January 23, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

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

“Canada recognizes Juan Guaidó, President of the National Assembly, as the interim President of Venezuela. We support his commitment to lead Venezuela to free and fair presidential elections.

“As stated in the January 4 Lima Group Declaration, Canada rejects the Maduro regime’s illegitimate claim to power and has called upon Nicolás Maduro to cede power to the democratically elected National Assembly.

“We reiterate that a resolution of the crisis in Venezuela can only be achieved through the leadership and courage of Venezuelans themselves. We remain committed to working with our partners, particularly through the Lima Group of countries, and with Venezuela’s democratic opposition.

“Canadians stand with the people of Venezuela and their desire to restore constitutional democracy and human rights in Venezuela.”

Quick facts

• Canada has imposed targeted sanctions against 70 Maduro regime officials and, in collaboration with five other countries in the Americas, referred the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court. Canada has also taken steps to downgrade diplomatic relations and restrict engagement with Venezuela.
• On January 15, 2019, the National Assembly declared that Nicolás Maduro had taken the presidency illegally and therefore left the office vacant. Today, Juan Guaidó, the President of the National Assembly, assumed the role of interim President.

Associated Links

• Statement by the Lima Group on the serious events that occurred on January 13, 2019 in Venezuela
• Canada rejects the Maduro regime’s illegitimate mandate in Venezuela
• Lima group declaration