Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the death of Hugo Chávez Frías, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela:

"I would like to offer my condolences to the people of Venezuela on the passing of President Chávez."

"Canada looks forward to working with his successor and other leaders in the region to build a hemisphere that is more prosperous, secure and democratic.

"At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights."

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