Sometimes Politics Is Just ... Hockey

I had a fascinating lunch yesterday at the invitation of Russian Ambassador Georgiy Mamedov at the National Arts Centre. A seasoned diplomatic and political performer, Mamedov has a self-described love for Canada as a remarkably peaceful country where we "refuse to inflate our regional differences to the point of political anarchy." Asked by President Putin to take a similar post in Washington, the experienced diplomat opted instead for Ottawa because of a genuine appreciation for the benefits of our society and for our peaceful influence in the world."I partly wanted to have lunch with you because of your last name," he offered at the beginning. It turns out Lester Pearson, or at least his name, saved the ambassador from falling into a lesser career. He had only one opportunity to persuade an official that he was suited to receive diplomatic training.  "I knew little about Canada as a young man, and when I was told I would be asked only one question about your country and that if I got it wrong they would refuse me, I knew I was in trouble."  It was 1963 and the Cold War was in its infancy, so Mamedov's nervousness was understandable. The questioner focused on him and asked: "Who is the Prime Minister of Canada?" The young man had no idea. He only knew of one Canadian's reputation, so he spouted: "Lester Pearson," to which the questioner beamed and said, "you're hired."Our conversation varied widely, covering subjects ranging from our sharing of the Arctic and struggling aboriginal peoples, to common business and diplomatic interests in various parts of the world.  CIDA presently invests about $20 million in good governance programs in Russia. When I proposed some new ideas for how we might be more innovative with such funds in areas of the environment and cultural exchanges he grasped the ideas as a way of enhancing our relationship as nations of the north. A fascinating part of the discussion was his functioning relationship with Stephen Harper. Meeting the Prime Minister shortly after his victory in the 2006 election, they somehow wandered into the discussion of hockey and struck an immediate bond.  "He has an adequate knowledge of Russian hockey and we sometimes just talk on the phone to discuss certain games," he offered.  One of Mamedov's prized possessions was an old hockey program from the 1976 series between Canada and Russia. Seeing the Prime Minister's interest in the game, the ambassador presented the program as a gift to Stephen Harper, much to his delight. They have kept up frequent contact since.Kudos to the Prime Minister and ambassador Mamedov, for using even love of sport to develop what is clearly a vital relationship between both countries. And it turns out that Lester Pearson, long after his death, continues to be a force in diplomacy through this energized ambassador. Who knew?