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This 27-year-old dissident fled Russia in hopes of joining her uncle in Coquitlam, B.C. – CBC.ca

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2022

A critic of the Russian government is begging Canada to expedite her nearly three-year request to move to Coquitlam, B.C., to find refuge with her Canadian uncle.

In early March, Ekaterina Smirnova, 27, fled to Serbia, one of the last countries to allow Russian flights after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Last month, president Vladimir Putin called for “self-cleansing” the country of “traitors” who, like Smirnova, oppose Putin and his invasion of Ukraine. More than 15,000 Russians protesting the war have been arrested, according to independent monitoring group OVD-Info.

“I am, as they said, a ‘traitor’ of my nation,” said Smirnova, speaking to CBC News in Russian, from Belgrade.

“Even I ran away, and I couldn’t do anything. I was scared.”

With her Serbian visa expiring this week, and her credit and bank cards deactivated by sanctions, she says she fears for her safety if she’s forced back to Russia.

‘I felt a very real threat to my own life’

Smirnova participated in opposition campaigns, including using her state-issued email address in an anti-Putin strategic voting app.

But things got more frightening after opposition leader Alexei Navalny survived poisoning and returned to Russia last year to be jailed, she says.

One night, she says, anti-government activists urged Russians to leave their homes and shine flashlights to oppose government corruption.

Before leaving her apartment, Smirnova shut off her gas and water, and washed her hair, lest she not return.

“I felt a very real threat to my own life if I spoke out,” she recalled. “It was important for me to make my position clear.”

She wasn’t arrested, but Smirnova says she was inspired to see a few neighbours participate. She posted selfies and anti-government messages on social media.

Ekaterina Smirnova, a 27-year-old Russian government critic and market researcher, appears in this photograph in Belgrade, Serbia, where she is awaiting Canada’s ruling on her application to join her uncle in Coquitlam, B.C. (Ekaterina Smirnova)

Her uncle, a former Coquitlam, B.C. psychiatric nurse, says he is proud his niece spoke out against Putin.

“At the same time I was extremely scared that something would happen, I was scared she was going to end up in jail,” said Andrey, her uncle. He asked to be identified only by his first name, fearing for their Russian family’s safety.

The federal government confirmed in a 2019 letter that Andrey “met the federal requirements for eligibility as a sponsor” for Smirnova, as her only living blood relative.

Smirnova passed her required medical examination, but the process stalled during COVID-19, Andrey says.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said it’s still reviewing her applications — both her original 2019 family reunification request, and a March 12 visitor visa application.

IRCC said it has no “special” programs to help Russian dissidents, but that Canada’s system is “fair and compassionate.”

As CBC News reported last month, Canada has a backlog of 1.8 million immigration applications. Now, more than double that number of Ukrainians have been forced out by war, with Canada offering refuge to those escaping.

Smirnova and multiple Russian-Canadians interviewed by CBC News say they feel massive guilt about the Ukraine invasion, and worry about drawing any limelight away from Ukrainian refugees.

‘I don’t know when I’ll be able to go back’

Smirnova is not the only dissident looking to get out of Russia.

Mikhail Elizarov is a co-founder of Canada for a Free Russia, and administers the Facebook group Solidarity & Support of Russian Opposition Movement.

“I have strong connections among people who oppose Putin’s regime,” the Calgary-based former Russian opposition party activist told CBC News. “The majority of people who I used to work with in Russian opposition are also outside of Russia these days.

“There is only a few left in Russia — and some of them are in custody right now, or in jail.”

He said since Russia invaded Ukraine, he’s received “four to five” requests a day for information about fleeing to Canada.

“Today is already too late,” he said. “The actual ability for people from Russia to come to Canada has decreased.”

Another Russian-Canadian who left her country is Lena Smirnova, a White Rock, B.C. journalist. She says she still has an apartment filled with belongings in Russia, but believes returning is dangerous.

Her cousin in St. Petersburg spent 15 days in jail for protesting against the war.

Police detain demonstrators during an action against Russia’s attack on Ukraine in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, March. 1, 2022. Protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine resumed on Tuesday, with people taking to the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg and other Russian towns despite mass arrests. (Dmitri Lovetsky/The Associated Press)

She says at least 12 friends in Russia have asked her about leaving or have already fled the country.

“Protesting has become so dangerous,” she said. “The smallest offences will get you into jail and lose your job.

“They’re just being targeted. They’re looking at their options now … they try to get out.”

She says for those trying to leave while speaking out — like Ekaterina — the risk of returning is even higher.

“Once you leave, it’s a very clear signal of which side you stand on,” the White Rock journalist said. “That’s going to haunt you; I don’t know when I’ll be able to go back, if ever.

“There’s such a shame for all of us who are in Russia and are against the war … Should we have done more?”

But as Ekaterina Smirnova awaits word from the government of Canada, she says she remains optimistic about some things.

“I am still hopeful … that the war will be over soon, that my family in Russia will be safe,” she said.

“And that those people who started this will go to jail, and that their karma — that they will pay for what they did.”

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CF Montreal claims important 2-0 win over Chicago as MLS playoff hunt heats up

Published

6 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – Josef Martinez and Caden Clark scored as CF Montreal defeated Chicago Fire FC 2-0 for a crucial Major League Soccer win on Saturday.

Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute to put Montreal ahead before Clark buried the insurance-marker in the 74th before an announced 19,619 spectators at Saputo Stadium.

Nathan Saliba, Kwadwo Opoku and captain Samuel Piette added assists as Montreal (8-12-10) extended its unbeaten run to three games (2-0-1) amid a late push to reach the MLS playoffs.

Montreal entered the match 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with 31 points, but only two behind Philadelphia Union, which occupied the second wild-card spot in ninth. Laurent Courtois’ squad has four games remaining in the regular season.

Chicago (7-16-8) began the day in 14th with 29 points and one more game played than Montreal, but failed to threaten goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois until late in the match.

Meanwhile, Montreal created offence with long passes in behind Chicago’s back line throughout the match.

In the second minute, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty broke in down the right wing before playing a dangerous ball into the box for Martinez, who swung and missed on his attempt.

Martinez later just barely stayed onside to score his team-leading seventh of the season. The veteran striker corralled a long ball from Nathan Saliba into the box before slicing a half-volley past Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady.

In the 37th minute, Bryce Duke went on the counter-attack with numbers, but kept the ball instead of laying a through ball to Martinez and ultimately sailed his outside shot over the crossbar.

Chicago played cautiously, content holding the ball without pushing forward through 45 minutes. Montreal led the shot attempts five to one.

Montreal was back on the attack early in the second half as Piette found Caden Clark on the left side of the box. Clark danced around a sliding Chicago defender Arnaud Souquet, but kicked his Grade A opportunity over the net.

Clark later got on the board with his second goal in three games. Opoku, who entered in the 72nd minute as a substitute, took a pass from Piette before finding Clark in alone. Clark showed poise with a cheeky chip over Brady to give Montreal the comfortable lead.

Substitute Matias Coccaro nearly made it 3-0 in the 85th when he was sent on a breakaway, but Brady came out to challenge and stopped his attempt.

Sirois had a busy end to the match as Chicago pressed for a goal in the final minutes. He turned away a header from Thomas Barlow at the centre of the box, a dangerous shot by Souquet streaking down the right wing and a header by Tobias Salquist in the dying minutes.

NOTES

Montreal defender Raheem Edwards reached 10,000 minutes in MLS at the 23-minute mark. In 10 seasons, the journeyman has played for Montreal (twice), Toronto FC, Chicago, Minnesota United FC, Los Angeles FC and L.A. Galaxy, totalling eight goals and 28 assists. … Fire winger Ariel Lassiter returned to Saputo Stadium after being traded from Montreal to Chicago on Aug. 14. The Costa Rica international had three goals and seven assists in Montreal this season. … Fire top scorer Hugo Cuypers missed his second game after the birth of his son.

UP NEXT

Montreal: Hosts the San Jose Earthquakes next Saturday.

Chicago: Hosts Toronto FC next Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2024.

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Wallstedt helps Wild knock off Jets 5-2 in pre-season test

Published

6 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Anne Joseph

WINNIPEG – Jesper Wallstedt left a lot Jets hopefuls shaking their heads on Saturday night.

The Minnesota goalie stopped 38 of 40 shots as the Wild whipped Winnipeg 5-2 in an NHL pre-season game.

Ben Jones, Jakub Lauko, Graeme Clarke, Daemon Hunt and Caeden Bankier scored for Minnesota.

Colby Barlow and Colin Miller replied for Winnipeg.

Kaapo Kahkonen made 23 saves on 28 shots for Winnipeg at the Canada Life Centre.

As per a typically sloppy pre-season game, there were a myriad of turnovers, many of which led to Wild chances and-or goals.

Barlow scored with 46 seconds left on setup from Brayden Yager.

Jones gave the Wild a 5-1 lead early in the third period. He stole the puck from Mason Shaw behind the net and slipped the puck past Kahkonen for an unassisted marker.

Minnesota was close to making it 5-1 but Kahkonen stopped Cameron Crotty on a breakaway with the final seconds of the second period ticking away. The Jets actually outshot Minnesota 29-17 through the first 40 minutes.

The Wild took a 4-0 lead when Lauko blocked a Miller shot at the Minnesota blue line, then raced up the ice with a breakaway. He finished it off by beating Kahkonen cleanly with a wrist shot.

Minnesota upped the score to 3-1 almost midway through the middle frame. Clarke’s shot deflected off a Jet near the front of the net and past Kahkonen. Declan Chisholm assisted.

The Jets finally got on the scoreboard when Miller beat Wallstedt with a wrister from the point with 1:03 left in the opening frame to pull within 2-1. Vladislav Namestnikov assisted.

The Wild had taken a 2-0 first-period lead, converting a pair of power plays. With Hayden Fleury off for tripping, Hunt beat Kahkonen with a slapshot from the blue line. Luke Toporowski and Ryder Ritchie assisted.

Minnesota had opened the scoring on the power play. With Alex Iafallo off for slashing, Bankier pounced on a puck that had bounced off Elias Salomonsson’s skate and beat Kahkonen from in front of the net for an unassisted goal.

The Jets outshot Minnesota 10-5 in the first period with Mason Appleton getting off the most dangerous shot.

NOTES

Finnish defenceman Ville Heinola suffered a setback when it was discovered that an infection had set in where he had had surgery on an ankle fractured during last season’s pre-season. He may require another surgery. That will be updated next week. … Winnipeg’s Fleury reportedly played despite his wife giving birth to a son on Friday night. The defenceman who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, was signed as a free agent the past summer. … The Jets held a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed by a reportedly drunken driver while cycling.

UP NEXT

Jets: Visit the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday afternoon.

Wild: Visit the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2024.

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Bombers chicken dance their way to sixth straight win, blitz Elks 27-14

Published

6 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Anne Joseph

EDMONTON – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a nickname for the opposition’s end zone. They refer to it as the “chicken box.”

So, after each of running back Brady Oliveira’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns, he did a chicken dance.

Oliveira ran for 127 yards on 18 carries, scored twice and led the surging Blue Bombers to a 27-14 win over the Edmonton Elks Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.

For Oliveira, those were his first two touchdowns of the season, an odd stat for a rusher who has 1,021 yards on the year.

“Man, we got in the chicken box tonight,” said Oliveira. “It felt real good to get that monkey off my back. It really felt good to celebrate with my boys in the end zone.”

For the West Division-leading Bombers (8-6), it was their sixth straight win. The Elks (5-9) lost for just the second time in seven games.

“I dance like a chicken, cluck like a chicken,” said Oliveira. “They call it the chicken box, the chicken coop, when you get in the end zone. So there’s a little bit of a joke going on, over the last couple of weeks, ‘how come I haven’t got in the chicken box?’

“We knew that, whenever it was going to happen, our celebration was to cluck like a chicken. So, that’s exactly what we did.”

While Oliveira had a breakout night, Tre Ford’s return as the Edmonton Elks starting quarterback did not go according to plan

Ford lost a fumble and threw two interceptions.

“I don’t think I played well, I think the turnovers were a big thing, I think that is what killed us and killed some of our drives,” Ford said. “We could have put points up, that’s how the game goes, there’s turnovers in it.

“Obviously you try to limit how many of those you do and I didn’t do a good job of that today.”

With the score tied 10-10 in the fourth quarter, Ford’s underthrown pass was picked off by Blue Bombers linebacker Michael Ayers, who returned the ball to the Elks’ 36-yard line. Oliveira then unleashed a punishing run of 30 yards, followed by a six-yard touchdown scamper, to put the Blue Bombers ahead for good.

Oliveira also scored a late touchdown on a five-yard burst up the middle.

Bombers coach Mike O’Shea said Ayers, a backup, got more playing time because of his impressive work on special teams.

“It was right on time. I think they just had a big run, too. So, he just got up and picked the ball and he was in a bit of no man’s land. But he went up and got it — and good for him. It’s nice for a young guy, when he makes a play, that his teammates are so excited for him.”

Oliveira said the Bombers imposed their will on the Elks late in the game.

“We were getting a lot of good movement up front. You really just start to feel it when you start imposing your will on another grown man. Our offensive line was doing that in the second half, and allowing me to do what I do. I think I ran better in the second half, maybe not being as timid, really I was just getting north and trusting my ability.”

The Elks wasted a fantastic rushing day from Justin Rankin, who went for 157 yards on 14 attempts.

Ford finished with 10 completions on 17 passing attempts, and just 131 yards. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros went 19-for-27 for 191 yards.

Ford was restored as the Elks starting quarterback for the Winnipeg game, another chapter in the Elks’ quarterback saga., After the Elks lost seven in a row to start the year, Ford supplanted McLeod-Bethel Thompson as the starter. Ford started two games, but was knocked out with a rib injury. A rejuvenated Bethel-Thompson was 3-1 in four subsequent starts, but Elks coach Jarious Jackson made the decision to go back to Ford for the Winnipeg game.

After Ford’s struggles, Bethel-Thompson was reinstated as the Elks quarterback midway through the fourth quarter.

In the first half, Ford fumbled on a quarterback draw and, later in the half, a screen pass bounced off the hands of Elks running back Rankin and into the waiting arms of Bombers’ defensive back Tony Jones.

Jones also recovered a fumble from Elks running back Kevin Brown.

Collaros threw a pick of his own — with Elks defensive back Darrius Bratton snatching the team’s 10th interception over the last three games.

The Bombers scored on their opening drive of the second half, punctuated by an 11-yard touchdown from Collaros to Ontaria Wilson.

Ford responded with the razzle-dazzle he’s become known for in his short CFL career. On a flea-flicker from Rankin, Ford connected on a 26-yard touchdown strike to Geno Lewis. The ball was underthrown after Rankin pitched the ball back to the quarterback, but Lewis adjusted and was able to scamper into the end zone after beating two defenders to the ball.

NOTES

Elks linebacker Nyles Morgan reached the 300-tackle mark for his CFL career. … The Elks’ Leon O’Neal Jr. was ejected for rough play in the third quarter. … The Blue Bombers have won 10 in a row against the Elks.

UP NEXT

This was the first time Winnipeg and Edmonton matched up this season, but they’ll meet again on Friday in the Manitoba capital.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2024.

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