Canada’s government seems to have invented a unique foreign political course characterized by its duality. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephane Dion supported the dialogue with Russia simultaneously with strengthening sanctions against it. On the one hand, Canada is ready to place Russia under greater sanction pressure; but on the other hand, Ottawa does not mind amicable relationship with the country. The Canadian authorities say they are ready to support collective sanctions, but also state they are not content with a so-called empty chair policy regarding Russia.
Perhaps, the statement was made to see the reaction of the Kremlin and find out their readiness to come to terms. In his speech, Stephane Dion stressed, “Canada will continue to speak out against the illegal annexation of Crimea and its Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, in this, we strongly support our NATO allies.” “To disengage would have also meant forgoing the potential for dialogue,” the politician added. During the sanctions, Russia made its name in the global arena, and now worsening relationship is in the way of the global security provision. Besides, time has shown that neither side benefits from sanctions. The official also reminded that “even during the Cold War Canada continued to speak to the Soviet Union,” which is Russia’s predecessor. This means that chances to find common ground are high even amid the current sanctions.
