The Canadian government intends to cooperate on Arctic issues only with countries with similar views, and Russia is not one of them. This was stated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
"The appointment of an ambassador for the Arctic was partly to strengthen the relations that we have with allies or countries with similar thinking in the Arctic. Russia is by no means one of those countries," the head of government told reporters in Montreal. His statement was broadcast on national television.
In December 2024 Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that Ottawa will appoint a special envoy for Arctic affairs and open consulates in Alaska and Greenland as part of a new foreign policy strategy for the region.
According to Joly, such a strategy would give Ottawa “the necessary tools to continue to defend its sovereignty, promote national security interests, and maintain a stable, prosperous and secure Arctic“.