We Can't Lockdown if We're Locked Out
RALLY FOR NO COVID EVICTIONS
November 29, 2020
Last week Premier Ford announced a lockdown for Toronto, but tenants can’t lockdown if we’re locked out.
COVID-19 cases are at record numbers, CERB has run out and winter is coming. What will it take for Premier Doug Ford to reinstate the eviction ban? While it appears our premier has turned his back on tenants, tenants are coming together in solidarity with one another to demand no COVID evictions.
On Sunday November 29 at 2pm in front of 2450 Weston Road, the York South-Weston Tenant Union will join with tenant groups across Toronto to call on Premier Doug Ford to immediately reinstate the eviction ban and halt all eviction proceedings at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
The rally will take place in the northwest neighbourhood of York South-Weston, an area that is not only a hotspot for COVID-19 cases, but also for evictions. This month alone, 170 evictions in York South-Weston are occurring at the LTB, one of the highest eviction rates in the province.
“Every day we hear from tenants who are afraid of losing their homes” says Chiara Padovani, member of the York South-Weston Tenant Union. “So many of our members are the frontline workers that have been celebrated as heroes during this pandemic, but that hasn’t protected them from losing their homes.”
Hicham Alasbachi, member of York South-Weston Tenant Union, is facing eviction himself, but finds strength and solidarity in his community. “My neighbours and friends stood by my side and now my landlord agreed to sit down and talk, and to not enforce my eviction. This is why I feel strong and supported, because when we are united and support each other we can protect our homes.”
The rally will be outdoors with physical distancing. Masks will be given to participants who do not have one.
Media Contact:
York South-Weston Tenant Union
647-548-6770