"Engagement and dialogue are roots of good diplomacy. You can’t advance major issues such as trade, security, human rights and women’s empowerment by just walking away when the going gets tough.

This is the foundation that enables countries such as Canada to make a difference in the world."

This approach should prevent us from placing sanctions on any country that offers us a lucrative trade surplus, including another oil-rich state named Iran.

It appears that money can buy a conscience.