Singh sends mixed signals on NDP’s Venezuela stance

Leader seems out of step with party over Ottawa’s support of Guaido

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh appeared unaware that his own caucus changed its stance on the sensitive political situation in Venezuela on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Burnaby, B.C., Singh suggested Canada was wrong to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as president of the troubled South American country. When asked repeatedly who should be president, Singh said: “Whoever the people of Venezuela decide.”

The comments were puzzling because Quebec MP Hélène Laverdière, the NDP’s foreign affairs critic, told the National Post this week that the party is now “comfortable” recognizing Guaido as president — a position the party’s caucus chair said Wednesday accurately re- flects the NDP’s stance.

It also represents a significant shift in the NDP’s position, first articulated after Ottawa joined the U.S., Brazil and a host of other countries in recognizing the 35-year-old leader of the Venezuelan legislature as president. On Jan. 24, Singh said Canada “should not simply follow” U.S. foreign policy in proclaiming Guaido as Venezuelan president, while he condemned military action taken against protesters by the beleaguered regime of Nicolas Maduro.

The country is beset by mass protests against the socialist regime, which has overseen a period of economic decline, hyperinflation and the exodus of millions of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries.

When he was asked about Laverdière’ s comments on Wednesday, Singh would only say it is up to Venezuelans to decide who is president.

“What we believe very strongly is: any decision about the future of Venezuela should be in the hands of the Venezuelan people,” he said. “And our role as Canadians… should be one to make sure people on the ground receive the aid that our government has committed to, they actually go to people, and lift people up and help them out in this dire situation.”

On Parliament Hill, Quebec MP and caucus chair Matthew Dubé was adamant that Laverdière accurately reflected the NDP’s position on Venezuela, which was decided during a caucus meeting in late January.