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EESTI ELU reedel, 31. juulil 2020 — Friday, July 31, 2020
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Tallinn continues broadcasting Russian-language IEC Project update on sale of news on PBK ERR, July 2020 English-language supplement to the Estonian weekly “EESTI ELU” Tartu College Publications Founding Chairman: Elmar Tampõld Editor: Laas Leivat 3 Madison Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 2S2 T: 416-733-4550 • F: 416-733-0944 • E-mail: editor@eestielu.ca Digital: www.eestielu.ca
Russians abroad manipulated by Moscow (II) According to the United Nations, 10 million Russians live abroad. This is 15 million short of other estimations. Whether they be Russian citi zens or not, during the 20th century most were forced out of the country due to major political turmoils like the Revolution, the consequent Civil War, World War II, Soviet repressions, anti-Semi tism and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It’s been reported that this Russian diaspora has a signifi cantly more favourable opinion of Vladimir Putin than their compatriots at home. This high er rating among Russians who enjoy an open and liberal politi cal milieu in the West seems perplexing, especially when they witness Putin’s increasing proclivity for autocratic rule. Perhaps it results from a per ceived lack of an alternative leader capable of mounting a successful challenge to his lead ership. Prior to this, Soviet/Russian leaders did not enjoy any sub stantial support from exile Russians. But Putin now fully recognizes the potential of compatriots abroad, who don’t concern themselves about a stifling political environment in Russia. In fact it’s been sug gested by some that there is a resurgence of loyalty for the Soviet Union. In Toronto this could be a valid observation seeing the popularity of Rus sians participating in the May 9th Victory Day celebrations, promoted and financially sup ported by the Russian govern ment and organized by a Putinfriendly local Russian group. (This year was postponed due to COVID-19.) The Russian exiles used to be the target of the Kremlin’s enmity. In the past they were influenced by diverse political ideologies, had little in common and less interest in working together. But now Moscow sees them as a community, not as dispa rate groupings of Russians, but sharing a common vision with Russia, to rightfully regain its role as a superpower. Moscow takes credit for transforming the hostility of exile Russians into politically sympathetic fellow
countrymen. One just has to witness Russians in the West wearing the orange and black Ribbon of Saint George, symbolic of the USSR’s WWII victory. It has become synonymous with Rus sian patriotism since the an nexation of Crimea. Canadians must note that irrespective of the unanimous condemnation that the Crimean take-over received in the Canadian media and by Canadian politicians, the organizations professing to speak on behalf of the local Russian community fully sup ported Russia’s aggression. One could legitimately ask if political loyalties and identities always coincide? It’s logical to assume that Russians abroad have attachments and loyalties to their country of heritage. But can it be assumed that such loyalties come at the expense of attachments to their current ‘homeland’? In spite of this, observers still see a steady growth of pro-Kremlin senti ments among Russian compat riots in the West. Putin has promoted the no tion of ‘Russkiy Mir’, a Russian World, and advanced the idea that Russia could benefit from aligning the interests of Russian speakers abroad with their motherland and thus creating closer ties with these émigrés. Upon becoming president, Putin emphasized the claim that Russia would re-possess its role as an important global actor. His “Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation” high lighted the importance of the Russian diaspora in Russian foreign policy. The people of this diaspora, compatriots, would be identified by many different backgrounds which included Russian Fe deration citizens living abroad, former citizens of the USSR, Russian immigrants from the Soviet Union or the Russian descendants of compatriots and also, foreign citizens who admire Russian culture and language. With the new liberalization of dual citizenship regulations, it becomes a vastly wider range of individuals who qualify for being designated a ‘compatriot’. This formidable constituency could be deployed in very prac
The city of Tallinn has signed an agreement with a Russian channel in the Baltic States, Pervõi Baltiiski Kanal (PBK), under which the Russianlanguage channel will broad cast city news only. The agree ment runs from autumn until the end of the year. Kristiina Rossman, spokes person at Tallinn City Govern ment, told ERR: “I can confirm right now that we have man aged to reach an agreement with PBK to receive free air time to broadcast the program called “Novosti Tallinn” (“Tal linn News”). The production of the program will be funded from the 2020 city budget.” The same program was already broadcasting on PBK from the end of March until May 28. The city government justified this with the need to inform the Russian-speaking audience during the coronavirus crisis. The show broadcasted from Monday to Thursday. PBK beamed out its show free of charge to the city, and the programs were prepared by the Tallinn Television Foun dation, which belongs to the Tallinn City Government. At the initiative of the foundation, a company called Subbmedia OÜ, which has been producing the program “Eesti uudised” (“Es tonian News”) for PBK for many years, was involved in the production of “Tallinna uudi sed” (“Tallinn News”). The show was aired on March 20. Rossman told ERR’s Rus sian-language news on Monday that Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart (Center) had already confirmed in early May that the city government was interested in continuing “Tallinn News”, as city residents needed an addi tional Russian-language source of information both during and after the emergency situation. In addition, the pandemic situation in the world does not give grounds for optimism, which is why updated and com prehensive information for city residents is clearly maintained. The Russian-language “Tal linn News” will continue on PBK from August 24 to December 31. The programs will be broadcast from Monday to Thursday, a total of 71 news programs in Russian will be broadcasted. Tallinn City Government previously ran the Tallinn TV channel, which was available nationwide, but this closed down in late 2019.
tical actions, like lobbying for the removal of sanctions – a non-military response that the West has undertaken for Russia annexing Crimea, invading Ukraine etc. (to be continued) LAAS LEIVAT
Broadview Land Assembly July 28, 2020
The process leading to the sale of the Estonian House in Toronto has been continuing despite the pandemic. The sale is the next step in the develop ment of the new International Estonian Centre (IEC), for which planning has also continued these past months. When built, IEC will be a vibrant gathering place for all Estonians to share our culture and achievements – and a new home for the largest Estonian community in Canada. The IEC project has two major components: the de ve lopment of the new Centre on Madison Avenue next to Tartu College; and the sale of the Estonian House (EH) property, being sold with the three adjacent Estonian Foundation of Canada (EFC) properties. Despite chal lenges, we have made substantial progress toward reaching our collective goals. Some months ago, shortly after the onset of the COVID outbreak, the Purchase Agreement with Revera was terminated. The terms were satisfac tory to the Vendors, Estonian House and Estonian Foundation of Canada. A confidentiality obligation binding both Revera and the Vendors restricts either party from discussing those terms. EH and EFC were very pleased that soon after, they were able to conclude a new Purchase Agreement with DK Acquisitions Inc, a subsidiary of a very credible and experienced local develop ment group. Closing for the sale of the proper ties is now expected in September at which point the leaseback of the four properties will begin. This means that EH and EFC will become tenants of the new owner and most activities and tenants will be able to continue to operate at these properties until mid 2022. Much will also depend on the state of the pandemic as to how and when Estonian House will be able to re-open. Further details will be ready to share with the community following
closing as is normal in these kinds of transactions. Both Estonian House and Estonian Foundation of Canada believe the terms of the new Purchase are favour able. For Estonian House, the new agreement realizes the objectives of their sale which include creating a new centre for the community. It also achieves the goals agreed to in the EH shareholder resolution in 2017. Follow ing closing, Estonian House will start the process to facilitate a structured transition to the new centre. For EFC, the new agreement rea lizes the objectives of their sale, which required a fair return on EFC’s invest ment in real estate. EFC’s purchase many years ago of the three properties adjacent to EH was also a strategic investment as selling all four proper ties together would increase the de velopment footprint for a buyer. This outcome further benefits the commu nity and EFC’s mission to support Estonian cultural and heritage pro grams and initiatives across Canada. As the community prepares to enter an exciting next phase in building the new centre, we will also be entering a period of transition. Every effort will be made to ensure as seamless a transi tion as possible – and it will be a col lective effort. All four supporting orga nizations, Estonian House in Toronto Ltd, Estonian Foundation of Canada, Northern Birch Credit Union Limited and Tartu College remain champions of the new centre. However, this next phase will also be a time to engage more members of our community in the path forward - despite the pandemic. Further updates on how the new centre has been progressing and anticipated construction dates will also be shared after closing.
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EFC short story contest Estonian Foundation of Canada is hosting a short story contest for the whole community. As we all find ourselves without our usual routines, EFC invites you to use this unique time to find some inspiration and be creative – in fact you can even write about it! The Challenge: Write a short fiction or non-fiction piece on any topic with a tangible and identifiable connection to the Estonian-Canadian experience. • Maximum 1500 words. • In English or Estonian. • Works should be previously unpublished. Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2020, midnight ET Judging: A panel of 3 judges with writing experience, in consultation with representative(s) from the EFC Board, will select winners and honourable mentions in the following age categories: 1. Children (high school age and younger) 2. Young writers (under 25 years of age as of December 31, 2020) 3. Adult authors (Age 25+) For more information and application details, visit: https:// estonianfoundation.ca/en/efc-short-story-contest or call EFC 416-465-5600
