The political upheaval in Venezuela is now being felt all the way in Burnaby.

Recent remarks by Burnaby North-Seymour candidate Svend Robinson and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh about the tense political situation are under fire from local Venezuelan-Canadians – who are demanding an apology.

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Canada has recognized Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader and head of the National Assembly, who on Wednesday swore himself in as interim president for the country, which has been devastated by food shortages and hyperinflation.

Robinson – a former MP who is outspoken on international issues – called the situation an “illegal coup” and said that is it “shameful and unacceptable” that Canada is siding with it.

Singh, who is trying to get elected in the Feb. 25 Burnaby South byelection issued a statement critical of Canada taking the same side as the U.S.

“Canada should not simply follow the U.S.’s foreign policy, particularly given its history of self-interested interference in the region,” said Singh in a statement.

On Friday afternoon, a statement on behalf of some local Venezuelan-Canadians condemned Robinson’s comments calling the situation a “coup.”

“We want our voice to be heard,” Vancouver resident Rocio Nunez told the NOW on Friday by phone.

In the statement, the group says that “any suggestion, that what is happening in Venezuela is a coup, is misinformed and dangerous. Under the Venezuelan constitution, the democratically elected head of the National Assembly can temporarily resume control of the presidency to restore democracy and that is what interim President Guaido did.”

The statement also says that “comments made by the NDP leader and his caucus are dangerous as they discredit this pain we are feeling and more severely they fuel antidemocratic propaganda against our people and only help to support the despots around the world clinging to power through force and oppression.

Instability in Venezuela has fuelled concerns about supplies from the major crude producer, which has helped lift oil prices

“We demand the NDP and their members to immediately withdraw their comments and to apologize for the statements they have made. We are not asking them to take sides but rather asking them to support Canada’s principles of democracy, human rights, and freedom.”

Nunez said the political situation is causing sleepless nights for Venezuelan-Canadians, especially those who still have family and friends in the country.

Below is Singh’s full statement which, frankly, seems quite measured about the whole thing.

“The situation in Venezuela is a humanitarian crisis. Food shortages and financial turmoil has led to millions fleeing the country. People's lives and safety are at risk. The NDP condemns military action against protestors by the Maduro regime. As Amnesty International has said, protesting cannot be synonymous with death.

“Canada should not simply follow the U.S.’s foreign policy, particularly given its history of self-interested interference in the region.

“The question of who is to lead Venezuela should be in the hands of Venezuelans. All countries should be free to make their own democratic decisions through free and fair elections, independent of authoritative pressure or foreign interference.

“Canada should provide more assistance to tackle the humanitarian crisis. We must advocate for the United Nations to be involved, support the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres’ calls for dialogue to avert a disaster and condemn any military foreign intervention and unilateral action.

“The NDP will always stand up for human rights around the globe.”