Canada recognizes new leader of VenezuelaCTVNews.ca's Josh Dehaas, with files from CTV's Michel Boyer Published Wednesday, January 23, 2019 3:12PM EST Last Updated Wednesday, January 23, 2019 4:09PM EST Canada will recognize the newly self-declared leader of Venezuela, CTV News has learned. ''In front of thousands of supporters, National Assembly Leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on Wednesday, something that he says is his right under the countrys constitution. U.S. President Donald Trump also immediately recognized Guaido, saying in a written statement that he represents the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people. Colombian President Ivan Duque, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Argentinian President Mauricio Macri quickly expressed their support for Guaido as president until new elections are held. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said earlier this month that Nicolas Maduro had seized power through fraudulent and anti-democratic elections. "The Maduro regime is now fully entrenched as a dictatorship," Freeland said at the time. "The suffering of Venezuelans will only worsen should he continue to illegitimately cling to power." Socialist Maduro declared victory last May following an election in which popular opponents were banned. His inauguration was boycotted by nearly every country except Cuba and Bolivia. Once the richest country in South America, Venezuela has been plunged into poverty and is suffering from severe shortages of food, health care and other services. An estimated 2.3 million people have fled. Canadas Conservative opposition also supports Guaido. Foreign affairs critic Erin OToole and ethics critic Peter Kent issued a statement on Tuesday saying the party stands with them in opposing the extreme socialist policies that have led to the starvation and suffering of millions of citizens in a country that holds tremendous promise. We urge the OAS to work with National Assembly President Juan Guaido and members of the National Assembly to support their efforts for free and fair elections, the statement goes on. Link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-recognizes-new-leader-of-venezuela-1.4265969