Canada imposes sanctions on 14 Venezuelan officials

Canada on Friday imposed sanctions on 14 current and former senior officials of the Venezuelan government, alleging that they had engaged in activities that have supported human rights violations in Venezuela.

The sanctions coincide with measures taken by Canada's allies including the United States and United Kingdom, and "demonstrate a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people," the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday's new and expanded sanctions from countries including the United States and Britain.

President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in for a third term on Friday, and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela.

Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.