'Freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity': Canada supports Venezuela-led transition process

Canada has been against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela since 2018. And now as the country’s leader and his wife has been captured by US forces. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people."

Carney mentioned it is one of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.

“Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” the PM added.

Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid.