Housing advocates in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough took over a vacant building to bring attention to the city’s housing crisis. As Quebec’s election approaches, they are urging political parties to act beyond mere promises.
Noémie Beauvais from RCLALQ highlighted the paradox of thousands of vacant buildings while homeless individuals struggle to find shelter. Carl Lafrenière of FRAPRU emphasized the need for social housing and rent control to be enshrined in law.
The building housed 10-12 advocates, with rooms furnished with air mattresses and supplies. Signs outside conveyed their message of occupying empty homes and demanding housing rights.
Flav Choquette-Giguère, a squatter, emphasized the importance of maintaining older buildings to prevent them from deteriorating. The advocates stressed the urgency for a new government to address the longstanding housing crisis.
Political leaders were pressed to address the issue, with former housing minister France-Élaine Duranceau acknowledging the neglect of past governments. Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire criticized the lack of action from previous administrations.
Despite all parties making housing promises, the building owner arrived with police to file an eviction notice. Advocates remain resolute in their cause, determined to keep the spotlight on the pressing need for housing reform.
