Re-establish diplomatic and consular relations

AI summary

Petitioners ask Canada to restore diplomatic and consular relations with Venezuela and provide accessible consular services to Canadians. The government responds it is assessing conditions and currently provides consular assistance via its embassy in Bogotá.

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

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Canada and Venezuela have maintained diplomatic relations for decades and share longstanding ties between their people; Since 2019, Canada’s embassy in Caracas has suspended operations, limiting direct diplomatic engagement and the provision of consular services to Canadians in Venezuela; The Government of Canada has not recognized the legitimacy of the current Venezuelan government and has consistently supported the restoration of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Venezuela; We acknowledge that Venezuela requires free, fair, and transparent democratic elections that fully respect the will of its people in order to restore legitimate and representative governance; however, given the current circumstances, it remains essential to ensure that Canadian diplomatic and consular presence is re-established to support citizens, families, and constructive international engagement; The ongoing situation in Venezuela continues to raise serious concerns regarding human rights, including the detention of political prisoners, restrictions on civil liberties, and the impact of institutional instability on families and communities; and the absence of diplomatic and consular presence limits Canada’s ability to advocate effectively for human rights, support affected families, and monitor conditions on the ground; and The absence of regular diplomatic and consular channels creates practical difficulties for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who require assistance with documentation, travel, family matters, legal issues, and emergency support. We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations with Venezuela, including appropriate diplomatic representation and the restoration of accessible consular services that can assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents, support family connections, and facilitate responsible future economic engagement between both countries.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for their engagement and for expressing their views regarding Canada’s relationship with Venezuela and the provision of consular services. Canada is currently evaluating the environment in Venezuela to assess whether the conditions exist to restore its diplomatic presence. In the interim, Canada continues to provide consular assistance to Canadians in Venezuela through the Canadian Embassy in Bogotá. Canada supports the Venezuelan people’s demands for democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in their country. Canada has consistently called for free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing human rights abuses, including the detention of political prisoners and restrictions on civil liberties. Canada is working with international partners to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela, and to support a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition to democracy.