We cannot be silent in the face of the latest aggression against the Venezuelan people organized and supported by the governments of Canada and the United States. In Toronto, we are joining with over 40 other actions across the US and Canada organized on February 23rd under the demand “No war on Venezuela”.
One month ago, the Canadian and US governments’ recognition of opposition figure Juan Guaido as the self-declared President of Venezuela, along with Canadian and US sanctions and escalating material support for opposition forces, are shocking violations of international law, national sovereignty, and both the United Nations’ and OAS’ charters. The situation remains critical and risks further escalation as Trump continues to threaten military intervention. Nicolás Maduro is the president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, chosen twice by the people as part of an internationally observed electoral process.
The Canadian corporate media and Canada’s own public broadcaster, the CBC, are overwhelmingly campaigning in support of the regime change push in Venezuela. We appeal to people across Canada to remember past slanders that proved false against countries and leaders that ended in US invasions, support for proxy armies and regional and civil wars.
In rallying at CBC we will continue to expose the lies behind the US coup attempt in Venezuela and ensure that the voices of the majority of Venezuelans who oppose it are heard.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland’s leadership of the “Lima Group”, a coalition of right-wing governments, attempts to put a “humanitarian” spin on what the United States is declaring openly as an attempt at US control over Venezuela’s oil. The growth of Canadian mining, banking and other sectors in Latin America has pushed Ottawa towards a more aggressive posture in the region. Many of the Canadian-based multinational corporations that are driving these crimes in an attempt at seeking to control Venezuela’s resources have offices on Bay Street.
This is why we will be marching to Toronto’s financial district to demand that the natural resources of the people of Venezuela remain theirs. These resources should continue to provide benefits in the form of increased social programs such as millions of new homes for the poor, free post-secondary education, free and accessible health care, and the irradiation of illiteracy. These are only some of the gains of the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela that will not be turned back.
The participants and endorsing organizations of the February 23rd “No War On Venezuela” rally in Toronto demand that the federal government immediately recognize the democratically elected president of Venezuela, lift the sanctions, and stop laying the groundwork for military intervention. CBC: stop the lies! Bay street: not your gold, not your oil, hands off Venezuelan soil!
Respect Venezuelan sovereignty and self-determination!
#HandsOffVenezuela
Endorsed by:
Venezuela Solidarity
Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network – LACSN
Socialist Action
NDP Socialist Caucus/caucus socialiste du NPD
Toronto Association for Peace and Solidarity
Canadian Peace Congress
Hugo Chavez Front
Communist Party of Canada – Toronto Clubs
Young Communist League – YCL – Ligue de la jeunesse communiste (Canada)
Global Afrikan Congress
Casa Salvador Allende
Louis Riel Bolivarian Circle
