Oppose U.S. interventions

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to condemn U.S. interventions in Latin America, refuse participation, declare the Caribbean a Zone of Peace and defend regional self‑determination. The government responds that Canada upholds international law and pursues diplomatic solutions.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Charter and to other international conventions upholding international law, peaceful coexistence, and sovereign equality of states; U.S. military attacks on Venezuelan civilians and the kidnapping of President Maduro constitute flagrant violations of international law, national sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the fundamental principles of peace and self-determination, constituting an immediate and ongoing threat to regional peace; Washington has directly singled out Cuba, Colombia and Mexico for military intervention; The U.S. is waging an escalating economic war - with other coercive measures and threats - against Cuba, which has been repeatedly rejected by the UN General Assembly as contravening the principles and norms of international law, especially the right of self-determination; and Washington's actions are a threat to Canada's sovereignty and independence. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Publicly condemn U.S. aggressions as violations of international law; 2. Refuse to participate in, support, or legitimize military, economic, or political aggressions against Venezuela and other countries; 3. Reaffirm and actively support the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, free from external military intervention; 4. Actively reject any and all interventions and military aggressions against Cuba, Colombia and Mexico; 5. Firmly oppose U.S. economic and other coercive measures against Cuba and vigorously advocate for their removal; 6. Deepen economic ties, trade and assistance to Cuba; and 7. Unequivocally uphold and promote the right of self-determination of the peoples and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant Canada is committed to upholding international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter: respect for territorial sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and the protection of human rights. Regional Security Canada continues to closely monitor security developments in the region and supports peaceful dialogue, de-escalation, diplomatic solutions and respect for international law to address tensions in the Americas. Venezuela Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Canada’s approach prioritizes: Supporting peaceful, Venezuelan-led negotiated solutions Promoting the restoration of democratic institutions and constitutional order Providing humanitarian assistance to Venezuelans in need Canada played no role, directly or indirectly, in the United States military operation of January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Canada continues to act independently and has consistently been a leading voice on sanctions, human rights, and support for the democratic opposition. Cuba and Economic Measures Canada is concerned by the negative impact of the embargo on the living conditions of the Cuban people, as well as on Canadians conducting legitimate trade with and investment in Cuba. Canada is also concerned about the disregard by the Cuban government for the political and economic rights of the Cuban people, including the ongoing detention of political prisoners.Canada remains concerned about the difficult humanitarian and economic conditions in Cuba, including shortages of essential goods and services. To support the Cuban people, Canada has provided international assistance to Cuba for the past 50 years and provided $8.3 million in 2024-25. Since February 2026, Canada has announced $13.5 million in international assistance for the people of Cuba. This includes $8 million in accelerated assistance through the World Food Programme and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to strengthen food security and nutrition; $5 million through the Pan-American Health Organization for critical health care; and $500,000 for World Food Programme for emergency food assistance and logistics support, including United Nations purchase of fuel for the humanitarian response. Relations with the United States Canada and the United States have an essential and multifaceted relationship grounded in shared geography, history and people-to-people ties. However, Canada pursues an independent foreign policy and conveys positions and concerns with partners through dialogue and diplomatic channels. Caribbean and Latin America Canada supports regional efforts consistent with the objective of maintaining peace and avoiding insecurity and instability in Latin America and the Caribbean. With regards specifically to the Caribbean, Canada has a deep and longstanding partnership with the Caribbean Community and the wider Caribbean, built on shared values of democracy, respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Canada strongly supports efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean. Canada actively engages on regional peace and security issues at the Organization for American States. For example, Canada is a key player in various Organization of American States bodies including the Committee on Hemispheric Security, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism. Canada also welcomes regional initiatives that seek to reduce conflict and strengthen dialogue, including principles advanced by the Caribbean Community and through the Organization of American States. Canada works closely with partners in the region, including Ecuador, Mexico, Haiti, the Caribbean Community partners, and the Organization of American States, on practical measures to enhance regional security, combat transnational organized crime (including illicit drug and firearms trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling), address climate change impacts, and support democratic governance and human rights. Self-Determination and International Law Canada supports the right of peoples to self-determination, consistent with international law, as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes. Canada opposes actions that undermine international peace and security and remains committed to multilateralism. Conclusion The Government of Canada values the perspectives of Canadians and reiterates its commitment to: Upholding international law and the United Nations Charter Supporting peaceful, diplomatic solutions to conflict Strengthening and protecting democracy, human rights, peace and stability in the Americas Canada will continue to engage constructively with international partners, including countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to advance these objectives.