Ex-UN Envoy: Trump’s Venezuela Moves Imply Canada Could Be Targeted

Former UN Ambassador Bob Rae has issued a warning to Canadians regarding the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela. In light of Trump’s strategy for the Western Hemisphere, Rae argues that Canada must recognize potential threats to its sovereignty and national interests.

Implications of Trump’s Venezuela Strategy for Canada

Rae, who completed his ambassadorship in November 2022, believes that the U.S. is moving away from multilateralism. Instead, it is asserting dominance in the hemisphere without regard for legality. He remarked, “We’re being told by the Americans, ‘We will do whatever we can get away with.’”

Trump’s actions, including the recent seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and threats towards Greenland, Colombia, and Cuba, reflect this aggressive strategy. Rae emphasized that although Canada has not been threatened with statehood, its safety could still be at risk. “We’re on the menu,” he stated, cautioning against complacency among Canadians.

Historical Context: The Monroe Doctrine

Trump’s strategy evokes the Monroe Doctrine, a 200-year-old policy advocating for U.S. influence in Latin America. This doctrine has historically justified U.S. interventions and marks a return to a mindset of American dominance.

• Seizure of Maduro: U.S. forces captured Maduro, raising concerns about American control over Caracas’s oil reserves.
• Threats to Neighbors: Trump has made statements indicating intentions towards other countries in the region.

Concerns Over Sovereignty

Experts, like Fen Osler Hampson from Carleton University, warn that Canada risks becoming diminished to a U.S. resource appendage. As the U.S. asserts its interests, Canadian sovereignty over vital resources is called into question.

Hampson noted that Canadian energy infrastructure and critical minerals may be evaluated under U.S. national security interests. “We’re going to be under Washington’s thumb,” he added, indicating the pressure Canada may face in its foreign policy.

Responses from Canadian Leaders

Upon addressing these issues, Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked on the need for a stable Venezuelan economy for a secure Western Hemisphere. While expressing support for democratic transitions in Venezuela, Carney did not criticize Trump directly.

Rae urges a firmer stance on Trump’s policies, stressing that silence may lead to dangerous implications for Canada’s future. He believes Canadians must engage in discussions about their sovereignty and international standing.

Hampson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of solidarity among nations. “A united front will help push back on U.S. imperialism,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of cooperative diplomacy in facing global challenges.