The list of companies and organizations severing their ties with Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine continues to grow. Alimentation Couche-Tard is suspending its activities and Loto-Québec is suspending its sports betting offer related, among other things, to the Russian hockey leagues.
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At the end of last week, Loto-Québec published a message on Facebook mentioning that it had withdrawn, “until further notice”, its betting offer for the Russian leagues of hockey, soccer, volleyball and table tennis.
However, this type of betting represents only a tiny portion of the state company’s sales. This restriction is only aimed at leagues and not at Russian players who are, for example, in the National Hockey League.
“Out of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, we have decided to withdraw the offer of sports betting related to Russian leagues”, indicated to the Journal spokesperson Renaud Dugas. “In addition, the Casino de Montréal sports the blue and yellow colors in support of the Ukrainian community,” he added.
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In recent weeks, at the request of the Legault government, the Société des alcools du Québec had also taken a stand by removing from its shelves and its website all products from the country of Vladimir Poutine.
Couche-Tard closes shop
Yesterday, after several days of silence, Couche-Tard finally chose to close its 38 stores in Russia. At the end of February, the management had indicated to the Journal that she was following “closely” the evolution of this war.
Photo from Couche-Tard website
Couche-Tard, which has owned convenience stores in Russia for “nearly three decades” under the Circle K brand, points out that it made this decision in particular to protect its approximately 320 employees.
“We condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the significant humanitarian effects on both Ukrainians and Russians,” said President and CEO Brian Hannasch.
Convenience stores of the multinational are located in St. Petersburg, Murmansk and Pskov.
In addition, management says it has donated more than US$1.5 million (C$1.9 million) to the Red Cross for the Ukrainian people.
The company says it also provided free fuel, food and drink to refugees in Poland and the Baltics.
In recent days, Quebec companies Bombardier, BRP and SP Clothing have also decided to cut ties with Russia.