Canada-Russia relations
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Bilateral relations
Diplomatic relations between Canada and the Russian Federation – previously the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) – were formally established on June 12, 1942. Canada is represented in the Russian Federation through an Embassy in Moscow. The Russian Federation is represented in Canada through an Embassy in Ottawa and Consulates General in Toronto and Montreal.
Canada strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression in Ukraine, which violates international law and the UN Charter, and has called on Russia to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw all military and proxy forces from Ukraine. Canada remains concerned by Russia’s pattern of behaviour that undermines the rules-based international order, and continues to condemn Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and parts of four Ukrainian regions. Canada also remains deeply concerned with Russia’s crackdown on civil society and political opposition.
Sanctions
Sanctions have been imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act in order to respond to Russia’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and grave human rights violations committed in Russia.
Learn more about Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Trade relations
While trade relations are extremely limited given the current context, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Russia maintains some minimal operations within the scope of trade restrictions from sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA).
Partnerships and organizations
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has suspended our bilateral cooperation with Russia, and maintains only limited engagement with Russia in multilateral forums in order to hold Moscow to account for its actions and to counter disinformation.
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