Canada says Russia's violation of Ukraine's sovereignty makes it unfit to join an exclusive international economic forum and that it is backing a decision to postpone membership for Moscow in this club.
The 34-member Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development is delaying Russia's accession to its ranks, and International Trade Minister Ed Fast released a statement saying Canada agrees with the decision.
"The Putin regime's military aggression and illegal occupation of Ukraine threaten the stability and security of Central and Eastern Europe," Mr. Fast said in a statement.
"Canada will not support [Russia]'s accession to the OECD until the Putin regime clearly demonstrates its respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."