OTTAWA — Former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien says he is hopeful Justin Trudeau will engage in a dialogue with a variety of international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During an interview with CTV's Question Period, Chretien suggested the incoming prime minister's father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, maintained an open approach when speaking to world leaders including Cuba's Fidel Castro.
Chretien said he would advise Justin Trudeau to "talk to everybody."
Outgoing prime minister Stephen Harper brought out tough rhetoric with Putin over the crisis in the Ukraine but Chretien questions about much effect that had.
Chretien suggested Putin probably didn't lose much sleep over anything Harper said.
Chretien also said Canada should re-open an embassy in Iran.
The outgoing Conservative government moved to cut ties with Iran in Sept. 2012 and cited it as the "most significant threat to global peace and security in the world."
