A statement released by Global Affairs Canada said the sanctions hit high-ranking officials of the Maduro regime, regional governors, and people directly implicated in activities undermining democratic institutions. Venezuela's National Guard fired tear gas on residents clearing a barricaded border bridge between Venezuela and Colombia on Saturday, heightening tensions over blocked humanitarian aid. "Canada is committed to supporting the peaceful restoration of constitutional democracy in Venezuela." Also sanctioned by Canada are the ministers of foreign affairs, finance, labour, petroleum and mining. While the National Assembly has a two-thirds majority for the opposition, all 545 seats in the Constituent Assembly are held by government supporters.

Source: CBC News April 15, 2019 15:22 UTC