Canada foreign minister Anita Anand said Canada stands by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada closed its embassy in Venezuela in 2019 and since then Canada has not recognised the legitimacy of the Maduro regime. “In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society,” the minister said. “Canada is engaging with its international partners and monitoring developments closely. Canada stands ready to assist Canadians in need through our consular officials and embassy in Bogota, Colombia,” Anand said. Hours after US confirmed a strike on Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced that US captured president Nicolas Maduro and he had been taken to New York to face criminal charges. Trump also said that US would now oversee Venezuela. He did not specify whether US military would take over but he said he was not afraid of “boots on the ground”.Trump said Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez spoke to Marco Rubio and told him that she was willing to do everything necessary, but Rodriguez earlier condemned the hostile US operation.

‘US doesn’t need Canada now’

US and Canada commentators said the military operation in Venezuela will redefine the US-Canada relationship as US won’t need Canada now that they have Venezuela’s oil. “This is massive news of global importance. What it means for Canada economically isn’t good. Venezuelan oil is similar to Canada’s heavy bitumen. The Americans will now need less from us as they scoop up Venezuelan oil,” Canadian commentator Brian Lilley said. “Side note for today…Canada just lost all leverage with the USA, Prime Minister Carney over played his hand. The US doesn’t need Canadian oil anymore,” Canadian entrepreneur Chris Pavlovski said. “The US doesn’t need anything from Canada. Free trade is over,” US podcaster and former DOGE staff Katie Miller commented.