Global News: 'Canada is opening four new embassies in Europe and the Caucasus in what the government bills as an effort to counter Russia, strengthen ties with NATO allies and support democracy.
'As well, the government has agreed to upgrade the 2,000-soldier battlegroup it leads in Latvia to a brigade, boosting the number of troops and pledging to lead it for at least the next five years.
'Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced on Wednesday that Canada is expanding existing diplomatic offices in Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovakia into full embassies with ambassadors and a goal towards countering “Russia’s destabilizing activities” in the region.'