The public is invited to join the tenants of 754-760 and 762-768 Godin Street in Verdun this Thursday, November 4, at 3:30 p.m. to support them against the intimidation tactics of the future buyers of their 4-plex, Mathieu Gauthier and Dominic Giard of 10829994 Canada Inc.
It is urgent to act to show the gentrifiers that we are united and will fight for our rights! Come and meet these tenants, it will motivate you for the fight to come!
Mr. Gauthier is a professional and aggressive gentrifier well known in the neighbourhood. He uses a variety of questionable tactics to pressure tenants to move out. According to La Presse, he and Dominic Giard have evicted tenants from about 40 units in Verdun to date.
Mr. Gauthier’s name appeared in the newspapers last May when a 73-year-old tenant committed suicide after being pressured to leave his unit. The law prohibits the eviction of a person 70 years of age or older who has been living in their unit for 10 years and has an income that qualifies them for social housing.
The tenants of the two 4-plexes on Godin Street are inviting the public at 3:30 p.m. in front of their home to discuss ways to fight against renovations, for tenants’ rights and for real rent control. The tenants invite you to wear yellow as a sign of solidarity. Bring your signs and banners for the occasion. At 5pm, those present will walk a few blocks away to demonstrate in front of Mathieu Gauthier’s home and hand him a letter of protest. The contingent will return to 754-760 Godin Street around 6:00 pm.
The purpose of the event is to send a clear message to Mathieu Gauthier and all the gentrifiers of Verdun. Tenants are uniting against your tactics to kick them out and will fight to stay in their neighbourhood! It is by organizing together that tenants will be able to have their rights respected.
In Verdun: We’re in, we’re staying in!
Against the profit « logic » of speculators, developers, builders and large private property owners!
For public and affordable housing for everyone!
Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux 