Canada on Sunday announced that it was suspending operations at its embassy in Venezuela over the government's refusal to accredit Canadian diplomats who had voiced criticism of the political situation in the country.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that Ottawa had "no choice" but to suspend operations, Deutsche Welle reports.
"The regime has taken steps to limit the ability of foreign embassies to function in Venezuela, particularly those advocating for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela," she said.
"Unfortunately, at the end of this month, Canadian diplomats in Venezuela will no longer be in a position to obtain diplomatic accreditation under the Maduro regime," she added.
Freeland also said Canada is "evaluating the status of Venezuelan diplomats appointed by the Maduro regime to Canada."