QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Election Integrity
June 5, 2025
Government leader, the recent sham elections in Venezuela, marked by political repression, mass voter disillusionment and an absurd claim over sovereign Guyanese territory have once again revealed Nicolás Maduro’s regime for what it is: a dictatorship clinging to power through fraud. While other democracies have responded with clarity and conviction, Canada’s voice has been conspicuously muted.
Given our long-standing commitment to defending democracy and human rights abroad, can the government explain why its response to these fraudulent elections has been so tepid and what specific measures are being taken to support the Venezuelan people?
Thank you for your question and for reminding us about how not only fragile our robust and real democracies are but how important it is to look more closely to see where the form of democracy may obscure governments that are not truly committed to the democratic principles we hold so dear.
I will raise this question with the minister, because I’m simply not in a position to provide details about how the government has been managing this with its like-minded allies in the democratic world.
Senator Gold, your government has been quick to condemn Israel, even while 56 hostages — including Canadian Israelis — remain in the hands of Hamas. Yet, nearly two weeks have passed since Venezuela’s sham local elections, and the government has remained completely silent while other international democracies around the world have spoken up and condemned them.
Why is it so difficult for this Liberal government to stand up for freedom and democracy equally around the world?
Again, senator, I will certainly raise this with Minister Anand at my first opportunity. Canada does stand with its democratic allies in defence of those liberal democratic principles that are at the foundation of our democracy and of our democratic allies.
