Canada is deeply at odds with Russian policy in Syria and Ukraine, but the two countries can still share meaningful talks on other issues, especially the Arctic. So it’s entirely fitting for Canada and Russia to engage in a joint conference on Arctic co-operation scheduled for late November. The move represents a welcome step away from the frosty relations between Ottawa and Moscow evident under the Conservative government of former prime minister Stephen Harper. Outrage over Russian’s shocking annexation of the Crimea in 2014 resulted in a Canadian policy of minimal contact between the two countries. Nonetheless, it is important to maintain and expand co-operation with Russia on a range of Arctic issues.

Source: thestar October 02, 2016 03:56 UTC