What turmoil in Venezuela means for Canada: experts available

Hamilton, ON, Jan. 8, 2026 – Ongoing developments in Venezuela are reshaping the political and economic landscape, prompting questions about the impact to international relationships and global stability.

McMaster experts are available to provide context and analysis.

Henry Giroux, chair for scholarship in the public interest, can speak about how recent U.S. actions in Venezuela undermine international law and national sovereignty and offer insight into the broader consequences for Canada and global stability.

He can be reached at: girouxh@mcmaster.ca

Colin Mang, assistant professor of economics can comment on the consequences for Canada’s energy sector including how shifts in Venezuelan output could influence pricing, affect competition with Canadian oilsands and impact investment.

“Venezuelan oil is a close substitute for Canadian oil in terms of its quality, so U.S. refiners are already set-up to be able to process it. However, transport costs from Venezuela to the US are higher than transport costs from Canada, so Canadian oil will still have a small competitive advantage,” he explains.

He can be reached at: colinmang@mcmaster.ca