Tens of thousands have been regularly protesting in Minsk and other cities since the vote, demanding that Lukashenko step down.

"Canada will always be on your side,'' Francois-Philippe Champagne said after the meeting.

Despite the detentions, protests continued Monday, with the elderly taking to the streets in several Belarusian cities, demanding the president's resignation.

Canada and Britain have gone ahead with sanctions on individual Belarusians, which were meant to be a coordinated move with the United States.

Sources say the sanctions could come as early as Friday after incumbent claims disputed election win.

Protesters in Belarus have dismissed Lukashenko's reelection for a sixth term in the Aug. 9 vote as rigged.