How did Canada celebrate Russia Day?

National holiday

The Russian Embassy celebrated Russia Day on Friday. Yasemin Heinbecker, deputy head of the Department of Protocol of International Relations, attended the event.

Previously, Ottawa City Hall had refused to raise the Russian flag and illuminate its own building in red, white, and blue. It is hard to say whether Ottawa has violated its own rules: diplomatic relations have not been severed, so the flag should have been raised. City Hall cites a clause in its own protocol that it has the right not to display "the flag of a group or organization whose actions or philosophy are contrary to Ottawa city policy or charter, support hatred, violence or racism, are politically or religiously motivated, or represent other personal beliefs."

The presence of a protocol official at the official Russia Day celebration was also necessary to maintain diplomatic relations. When the Globe and Mail news outlet wrote about it, foreign ministry officials initially responded that way, but abruptly changed their minds two days later. The ministry officially apologized and promised it would not happen again. Russian diplomats will not be invited to Canada Day.

Russian Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov thanked Heinbecker for his participation in the event. It is known that there were diplomats from other countries at the celebration.

Russian assets in Canada

The budget implementation bill passed its final reading in the House of Commons on June 9. When the bill passes the Senate, Canada will be able to seize and use Russian assets subject to sanctions.

Since February 24, assets of $123 million CAD belonging to individuals on Canada's sanctions list have been frozen. Transactions of another $289 million CAD have also been blocked.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed concern that passing the law could violate United Nations regulations. Countermeasures must be reversible. Once assets are transferred to Ukraine or someone else, they can no longer be returned, which deprives Russia of the incentive to stop the war.

If Canada violates this rule of international law, a precedent would be set that would discourage foreign investors. Other governments in conflict with Canada could seize Canadian assets abroad.

Trudeau did not say explicitly how the money would be spent or who would control it, but he assured that it would be used for assistance to Ukraine.

Perfume

The Canadian brand Meleg Perfumes introduced the perfume Slava Ukraini. The grandmother of Matvey Meleg, the founder of the brand, fled the USSR during the Stalin era.

The fragrance contains notes of melon, lime and honey. On the bottle there is a trident, under which it says Glory to Ukraine, Glory to Heroes. Inside the bottle there is a girl in sunflowers. On the back side is a blue and yellow flag.

The cost of a bottle of perfume is $181 CAD. The company Meleg Perfumes will send the Ukrainian army $45 CAD for each bottle sold.