Harper, Baird caution Russia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper took aim at Russia on Friday, insisting it back down from its military operations near Ukraine to reduce tension in the region. The federal government also called on Russia to honour an agreement signed years ago that guaranteed Ukraine’s independence. “As Canadians we emphasize our very strong support — and we emphasize this to all the countries in the region — our very strong support for the territorial integrity and the respect of the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Harper said in Brampton, Ont. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird stopped short of identifying what type of sanctions, if any, Canada might consider imposing on Russia if it didn’t stop what he deemed “provocative actions.”