The Russian Association for Canadian Studies dates back to 1989, when Soviet Association for Canadian Studies (SACS) was established on the initiative of scholars working in the Canadian Department of the Institute for the USA and Canada Studies of the Academy of Science of the USSR. In September 1992, the SACS was reorganized into the Russian Association for Canadian Studies.

The Russian Association for Canadian Studies (RACS) is a non-profit partnership, which was established to promote Canadian studies in Russia. RACS’ goals include facilitating research in such fields as Canadian economy, internal and external policy, history, social, ethnical and cultural life; playing a pro-active role in education and publishing activities; and contributing to the development of Russian-Canadian relations in all areas.

According the RACS’ articles of association, any citizen of the Russian Federation, who is sharing the above goals and is willing to participate in RACS’ activities and pay annual membership dues, can become a member of the Association. Presently, RACS’ members include researchers, educators, journalists, businessmen, government officials, public figures, graduate and post-graduate students.

The governing body of RACS is the General Assembly of its members, which takes place at least once in every five years. Operational management is the responsibility of the President and the Executive Board of RACS, which are elected by the General Assembly.

The RACS conducts regular discussions on various issues relevant for Canadian studies. It also organizes biannual international conferences, which attract leading Canadianists from Russia and abroad. RACS’ members take part in conferences, seminars and other forums in foreign countries as well.

The RACS assists its members in applying for special-purpose grants from the Canadian government for research trips to Canada.

The Association also maintains develops connections with Canadianists and Canadian studies organizations abroad. From 1992, the RACS is an active member of the International Council for Canadian Studies.

From 1994, RACS publishes “The RACS Bulletin” (executive editor - Elena Mosaleva; in 2002-2009 – Elena Komkova, in 1994-2001 – Yevgenia Issraelyan), and from 1997 – “Canadian Yearbook” (executive editor – Dr. Vadim Koleneko). Both are published annually and distributed free of charge among the member of the Association.

RACS also regularly publishes materials in connection to conferences, seminars and round tables, and assists book publishing by Russian Canadianists.