The former U.S. Secretary of State is in Toronto to sign copies of her new book.

Before doing so at the Indigo store at Bay and Bloor, Hillary Clinton spoke to the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

She said the decision to approve or reject the Keystone XL pipeline should not be seen as a symbol for the relationship between our countries.

”This decision should be put in a broader context because I do believe that both Canada and the United States can become even richer, more prosperous but also more environmentally sustainable by having a broad engagement over energy and climate and not focusing everything on this one decision.”

Clinton was also asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

”He’s a very intriguing character.  He does have a thin skin and he does unfortunately conduct policy by looking in the rear-view mirror and by judging his success and Russia’s success by outdated criteria.”

Clinton adds that doesn’t make Putin less dangerous and it doesn’t make it less necessary for the West to be in solidarity to make sure he doesn’t chip away at pre-existing boundaries.

The former first lady, who’s seriously considering a second bid for the U.S. presidency, says Europe should also move more rapidly to become less dependent on Russian gas.