Canada-Russia relations

On this page

• Bilateral relations
• Trade relations
• Partnerships and organizations
• Canada-Russia fact sheet

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 and an Honorary Consulate in Vladivostok. The Russian Federation is represented in Canada through an Embassy in Ottawa, Consulates-General in Toronto and Montreal and Honorary Consuls in several other Canadian cities.

Canada’s diplomatic engagement with Russia is focused on issues where we face common challenges, such as the Arctic, and for the purposes of advancing Canadian interests and values. Our engagement also includes speaking clearly and directly to Russia about its unacceptable actions, including in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. Canada remains concerned by Russia’s pattern of behaviour that undermines the rules-based international order, and continues to condemn Russia’s illegal annexation and attempted occupation of Crimea, as well as its ongoing support to the insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

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

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Russia still operates despite trade restrictions from sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA).

• Trade and investment agreements
• Import / Export controls
• Doing business in Russia

Partnerships and organizations

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Russia work together in multilateral fora, such as:

• Arctic Council
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• G20
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
• United Nations (UN)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)