On January 27, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau welcomed the so-called “Interim Venezuelan President Guaido” to Ottawa. In a statement from the Prime Minister's office, Trudeau was quoted saying “I commend Interim President Guaido for the courage and leadership he has shown in his efforts to return democracy to Venezuela, and I offer Canada's continued support.” This meeting was met with opposition online and on the streets from people in Canada who do NOT support this illegitimate puppet Guaido!
One must ask Trudeau about his definition of democracy. On May 20, 2018 Nicolas Maduro was elected as Venezuela's president. During this election the government of Canada took the undemocratic action of not allowing Venezuelan citizens living in Canada to be able to vote (as is customary at foreign consulates). By all respects the elections were fair and transparent, as noted by many organizations and public figures from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Fire This Time reporters from this newspaper who were on the ground as observers. Yet – the government of Canada didn't recognize the elections as legitimate before they even took place, and instead have backed the U.S. puppet Juan Guaido who simply “declared” himself interim president. Now after one year of imperialist backed attempted failed coup against democratically elected President Maduro, Guaido is on a multi-country tour to bolster international support from imperialist and right-wing governments because he has no legitimacy or support from people in Venezuela.
In Vancouver, Canada, the Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign organizes a monthly action in defense of Venezuela against the imperialist meddling and criminal sanctions imposed by Canada, the U.S. and European Union. On January 13, protesters came out to the snow-covered streets in front of the U.S. Consulate in downtown Vancouver, holding picket signs and banners reading “U.S./Canada Hands Off Venezuela!” Supporters picketed in front of the U.S. consulate and gathered to hear from speakers, before taking a customary group photo with picket signs held high under the U.S. consulate sign, to be shared on social media worldwide. The protest then continued to the busy downtown square at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Despite the snow, plenty of people stopped at the information table or to talk to petitioners and sign to oppose U.S. and Canadian sanctions against Venezuela.
For more information about Fire This Time Movement for Social Justice Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, please visit our website www.firethistime.net.
The Fire This Time Venezuela Solidarity Campaign is committed to continuing protest and educational events to support and defend Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution. Find out about the next action at www.firethistime.net or on Facebook, on Twitter @FTT_np or Instagram @ftt.venezuela
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