Winnipeggers gather despite cold weather to express support for Venezuela

Manitoba social justice organizations gathered in front of the U.S. consulate in Winnipeg, calling for an end to hostilities toward Venezuela and cancellation of all economic sanctions against the country.

The rally was a part of a global day of action focused on Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military intervention.

“We had about 50 people here today. Very good turnout in the (bitter) cold weather,” said Glenn Michalchuk, chair of Peace Alliance Winnipeg. “Today’s action was at Portage and Main because at that location is the U.S. consulate is located in one of the office towers in Portage and Main.”

Another demonstration, a couple of weeks ago, at River and Osborne drew about 100 people, Michalchuk added.

Organizers called on the government to uphold international law and reduce Canadian military involvement with the U.S.

“Disappointed in what the Canadian government has done up to this point in terms of its reaction to U.S. seizure of President Maduro and his wife. The Canadian government says that it expects all parties to uphold international law, and if that is the case, then the United States violated international law.”

“It ultimately affects us here, what happens in other parts in the world, and the growing danger that there’s gonna be major conflict in the world.”

Protesters say Canadians should care because Canada plays a role in international sanctions.

“Too long, Canada has been complicit in a disastrous U.S. foreign policy, not only in Latin America, but the world over,” said Cam Scott, one of the protesters, who added that there were alarming escalations in Venezuela from illegal bombing of ships to civilian deaths leading up to Maduro and his wife Flores’ capture, earlier this month.

“It’s our demand that Canada stand up to the United States (fully) and denounce these crimes for what they are,” Scott said.