Very simply, Russia has 11 time zones, from east to west. It is a huge country. The Moscow embassy does not have the resources to cover the whole of the country, from Vladivostok, which is physically much closer to Vancouver than to Moscow, and across to St. Petersburg. Those resources, not only commercial but also consular—That someone has to go 11 time zones in order to process a visa is a rather complicating thing if you're trying to invite business people over to Canada.
I fully recognize that there is a question of focusing government resources in particular areas, and that closures happen. What I think is unfortunate is the timing—I really do find it quite unfortunate—and the fact that there's not a contingency plan in place. As I said, we at the association are prepared to try to continue the commercial activity there. We have asked International Trade for the opportunity to sit down and ask whether we can provide ongoing support for Canadian businesses in St. Petersburg, essentially providing continuity to replace what is closing at the end of March. We're looking forward to a response or an invitation to sit down and discuss it with them. That hasn't happened yet, but we're hoping to do so, because we think it's very necessary.