Canada has issued a formal call for all parties involved in the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to adhere to international law. The statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand comes after U.S. military forces detained Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas on the morning of Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Canada's Stance on Venezuela Reiterated
In a social media post, Minister Anand reiterated Canada's longstanding position, noting that the Canadian government has refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government under Nicolas Maduro since 2019. That year, Canada closed its embassy in the South American nation in opposition to what it described as the oppression of Venezuelan citizens.
"In our longstanding commitment of upholding the rule of law and democracy, we call on all political actors to respect international law as the situation unfolds," Anand stated. She emphasized that Canada "stands by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society."
Political Reactions and Consular Preparedness
The federal government confirmed it is actively engaging with international partners and monitoring the fast-moving developments. Anand also noted that consular officials are ready to assist any Canadians in need through its embassy in Bogota, Colombia.
While Prime Minister Mark Carney had not publicly commented by early Saturday afternoon, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to respond. On social media, Poilievre congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump, calling Maduro a "narco-terrorist and socialist dictator" who should spend the rest of his life in prison.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Context
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife will be indicted in New York, where they will face several drug-related charges. Maduro and other Venezuelan officials had been previously indicted by the U.S. on "narco-terrorism" conspiracy charges.
The capture followed a U.S. military operation in the Venezuelan capital. The event has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, intervention, and the future of Venezuela's political crisis.
