The shifts occurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are historic and volatile. While the eventual depth and duration of the twin health and economic crises are still unknown, there is no doubt that global powers are again using the shock of a crisis to consolidate power and vie for global leadership.

Canada has involved itself in this crisis mainly through its co-founding and participation in the Lima Group. In doing so, Canada has touted its value-oriented foreign policy and commitments to safeguarding and promoting democracy and human rights abroad. The aims of the Lima Group are to support Guaidó’s aim of removing Maduro and to guarantee a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela “without the use of force.”