Some Venezuelan-Canadians say Ottawa right to block expats from voting in election
MONTREAL — Representatives from two Venezuelan-Canadian community groups expressed cautious support Thursday for Ottawa’s decision to block Venezuelans in Canada from casting ballots in the South American nation’s weekend presidential election.
Rebecca Sarfatti of the Canada Venezuela Democracy Forum said she originally didn’t believe it when she heard Canada wouldn’t allow voting stations inside the Venezuelan Embassy and consulates.
“(I thought), how can this be possible? It was a shock for me,” she said in a phone interview from Toronto.
“But as a Venezuelan community member, I can tell you the Venezuelan community is extremely happy, because Canada has stood up for democracy and for doing things the right way.”