Canadians react to U.S. actions against Venezuela

Some protestors say they are rallying against ‘imperialism,’ while others are happy that Maduro is finally out of office. Paul Hollingsworth reports.

More than 100 people gathered in Halifax to show support for Venezuelan solidarity.

“I am here today to denounce the role of U.S. imperialism and, more broadly, the role Western imperialism is playing,” said Liam Kroll, who attended the rally.

But anti-U.S. sentiment following the American incursion into Venezuela was not unanimous.

“I came for a reason,” said a Venezuelan immigrant named Cesar, who came to Canada in 2006 and gave only his first name. “Yesterday was the greatest day of my life and I only had one hour of sleep because I was so happy.”

There were similar gatherings across the country, including in Ottawa and Winnipeg.

“If Canada supports international law, then it must demand that President Maduro be returned to Venezuela because he is the president of the country,” said Glenn Michalchuk, chair of Peace Alliance Winnipeg.

The U.S. operation against Venezuela has resulted in a wave of reaction across Canada.

“I’m not raising alarm bells recklessly,” said Mount Saint Vincent University political science professor Jeff MacLeod, adding the actions are a wake-up call about how U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy could impact Canada and other countries.

“He’s talked about annexing Canada, Greenland and so many things that it’s hard to recall them all, and when the president of the United States muses about taking unilateral action that could impact the sovereignty of any country, you have to take that seriously.”

Beyond the immediate geopolitical implications, there are also mounting concerns the U.S. action could further worsen the Venezuelan refugee crisis.

“You will see continued pressure for out-migration from the country,” said Dalhousie University international development studies professor Robert Huish.

Huish said, for now, most Venezuelan refugees migrate to nearby countries such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.

But if the U.S. tries to organize a government in Venezuela, Huish said, the result could spark an increase in refugees attempting to flee to Canada.

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