Canada Appoints New Ambassador to Russia

Canada's New Ambassador to Russia

• According to Global Affairs Canada, Sarah Taylor was appointed as the new ambassador to the Russian Federation, replacing Alison LeClaire.

• Canada has only maintained a limited engagement with the Russian Federation since its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

• Ambassador-designate Sarah Taylor will continue to work with Canada and its allies to hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Sarah Taylor's Diplomatic Career

• Sarah Taylor has a background in anthropology from the University of Toronto and the University of Cambridge.

• Taylor held roles within External Affairs and International Trade Canada, including the position of thedirector general for North Asia and Oceania.

• Her international experience spans positions in Beijing, Jakarta, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where she served as a political-economic officer, political councillor, head of mission for Beijing, and ambassador.

• Sarah Taylor also served as the director of the Asia Division and both as the deputy executive director and the executive director of the International Assessment Staff.

Quick Facts

• According to Global Affairs Canada, diplomatic relations between Canada and the Russian Federation were formally established on June 12, 1942.

• Canada is represented in the Russian Federation by an embassy in Moscow. The Russian Federation is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa, consulates general in Toronto, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec.

• Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service maintains some minimal operations in Russia within the scope of trade restrictions imposed by sanctions under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act.