Canadian diplomats traveled to Venezuela last week as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government considers restoring formal diplomatic ties following the U.S. operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power.
Two Canadian government officials visited Caracas primarily to assess the condition of the embassy building, according to sources familiar with the matter. The embassy has been closed since 2019, when Canada formally recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
Background of Diplomatic Relations
Canada had previously considered restoring ties in 2023 as part of an effort by the Biden administration to pressure then-President Maduro into holding free and fair elections. However, those efforts stalled until Maduro's forcible removal by the U.S. military in January. His vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, was subsequently installed as acting president.
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada said: "Canada continues to evaluate the evolving situation in Venezuela, including whether conditions exist for the reestablishment of a physical diplomatic presence in the country. As part of this effort, Canada may undertake periodic official diplomatic travel to Venezuela, as has occurred recently."
Carney's Position and Conditions for Reopening
Prime Minister Carney described Maduro's removal as "welcome news" in January, while emphasizing that Canada supports the Venezuelan people's right to "build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society." However, a Global Affairs Canada official told a parliamentary committee in March that the embassy will only reopen if Venezuelan authorities properly accredit Canadian diplomats with legal protections to ensure their safety.
Canadian Business Interests
Several Canadian companies are actively pursuing or have expressed interest in opportunities in Venezuela, including firms with technical expertise to help revive the country's neglected oil fields. TSX-listed Gold Reserve Ltd. is also seeking a way to reclaim valuable gold deposits that were seized by the Venezuelan government. The gold and oil production sectors are particularly interested in re-entering the Venezuelan market.
The diplomatic visit comes amid broader international interest in Venezuela's post-Maduro future, with Canada positioning itself to potentially play a role in the country's reconstruction and economic recovery.
