Housing Tribunal Disrupted in Kingston

On June 28th, a small but militant group of Kingston Coalition Against Poverty (KCAP) and Belleville Against Social Injustice Collective (BASIC) members disrupted and delayed the proceedings of the evictions machine otherwise known as the Kingston Housing Tribunal.

The group stormed the Housing Tribunal carrying a big KCAP/OCF banner and signs such as '$10 Minimum Wage', 'This is an Eviction Factory', 'Housing for All', Stop the Evictions' and 'No Justice - No Peace' and chanting slogans such as 'Raise the Rates!' and 'Poor People Under Attack--What do we do?--Stand Up, Fight Back!'.

The hosts of the tribunal--Royal Canadian Legion--were quick to point out that we were on 'private property' and the police were called in to clear us out of the courtroom and the Legion.

When a number of protesters refused to leave claiming that this was a public space they were handcuffed, told they were under arrest, and dragged out to three police cruisers, with one member roughed up. The rest of the demonstrators unfurled their banner on Montreal Street and hung around the entrance waiting for the cruisers. Eventually, the three were released and given tickets for "Trespassing on Private Property", worth $65 Each, after which they were allowed to rejoin their comrades. However, the police sent a delegation to let the group know that They would not be allowed back in the building, citing first private property, then instructions from the adjudicator. They were clearly not too concerned with legalities, but instead revealed the true face of the military and police in this country—the face of a repressive force which 'serves and protects' the interests of the rich and is more than happy to trample and squash the rights of the poor.

The protest continued outside of the Tribunal and much support was generated from the members of the public and especially from the poor of Kingston who were well aware of the KCAP and BASIC's intentions ahead of time. Much support has been generated in the community for a radical and militant action against Ontario government's war on the poor.

KCAP and BASIC will continue to organise the poor in their communities and to stage militant actions against the government, landlords, bosses and their paid goons.

KCAP meets every Tuesday at 5:30 at 99 York St. in Kingston. Child care and food are provided. Everyone is welcome.