NDP Statement on Venezuela

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“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.”