Members of convoy-affiliated group refusing to leave Ottawa church after eviction notice
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Bailiff says St. Brigid's Church occupants are now 'basically squatting'
Deconsecrated church building appears to be back on the market
The bailiff who taped an eviction notice to the doors of St. Brigid's says The United People of Canada (TUPC) need to leave the church immediately and the building's locks will soon be changed.
Locks at the Rectory Art House next to the church were swapped out on Thursday, so only the owners of the property and the artists who rent from them can access it.
"There is no lease anymore. Now they're basically squatting," said Dave with Cease Bailiff Services. "That won't last very long."
CBC has agreed not to use Dave's last name given the tensions at St. Brigid's and the harassment he faced while delivering the notice.
The bailiff first visited the building with a locksmith on Wednesday evening, along with police, but said supporters of the organization were "up in arms," so they left to deescalate the situation.
They returned Thursday and managed to change the locks at the art house, where 10 artists rent space.
One of the renters at the Rectory Art House holds the old front door
lock for the building after it was changed Thursday. (Francis
Ferland/CBC)
Dave said he will return to change locks at the church, but declined to say when that will happen. He urged TUPC to "be honourable" to the landlord who owns and pays taxes on the building, and leave.
"They're belligerent and they don't want to leave there, but they're going to. They have to go," he said of the group.
"This is serious. You're not just going to overtake somebody's building in Ottawa."
Linked to Freedom Convoy protest
In recent weeks a handful of Freedom Convoy supporters have travelled to Ottawa to support TUPC, which set up at the church earlier this summer.
Despite evidence to the contrary the organization has staunchly denied any connection to the Freedom Convoy protest that clogged downtown Ottawa streets for weeks this past winter, which only ended after a massive police operation.
Vehicles adorned with flags, stickers and signs associated with the convoy are regularly parked in the church's lot; one of TUPC's directors has shared posts appearing to show support for the convoy on social media; another director described herself as an adviser to Dwayne Lich, the husband of convoy leader Tamara Lich; and the group began hosting "community conversations" about the convoy this month, including an open mic event with Brian Derksen: The Trucker That Never Left, according to the group's Facebook page.
Eviction notice says group owes $10K in rent
A notice taped to the church doors appears to have been taken down, but the pages were still in place inside the art house door on Thursday.
It said the landlord had terminated the lease effective Wednesday for $10,000 in unpaid rent and failure to provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of $5 million.
An attached notice said TUPC is also in violation of the Ontario Heritage Act for changing the appearance of the premises without the written approval of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and in violation of the Ontario Building Code Act "for failing to obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction works" at the site.
In a statement emailed to CBC Wednesday night, one of TUPC's directors, William Komer, alleged the owners of St. Brigid's tried to "unlawfully evict" the organization after it raised concerns "regarding what we understand to be breaches of the Ontario Human Rights Code by the property owners."
The statement also says church owners are punishing TUPC "for refusing to discriminate against people based on their creed."
During an interview outside the church Thursday morning, Diane Nolan, another TUPC director said Komer had been looking after rent, which was due Aug. 15, and that proof of insurance was shown to police Wednesday.
"I don't really know all the details, but we have given the rent, as far as I'm concerned. We've tried to give — you know there's been a lot of communication breakdown between lawyers, so that's what's got to be dealt with, really," she said.
WATCH | Future of group occupying St. Brigid's in question after eviction attempt
Church up for sale again
Komer did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. People at the church told CBC he was not in Ottawa.
He previously said TUPC had agreed with the building's owner on a conditional sale of the property, but attempts by CBC to contact the owner to verify this were unsuccessful.
Land registry documents show a numbered company traced back to Patrick McDonald, one of the investors who bought the church after it was deconsecrated in 2007, still owns it. CBC has been trying to reach McDonald for weeks.
The real estate agent on the $5,950,000 listing also did not answer questions about the situation, hanging up shortly after a CBC reporter identified themselves during a phone call Thursday.
However, an email shared with CBC by a different real estate agent shows the property as "back on the market."
Neighbourhood association breathes sigh of relief
Eryn O'Neill, an artist who rents space at the Rectory Art House, said it's her understanding the agreement with TUPC had fallen through and the property is once again for sale.
WATCH | Eviction of group at St. Brigid's means a return to normal next door, artist says
The artist said TUPC's activity at the site had picked up in recent weeks, leading to more disruptions and some supporters "confronting us in the parking lot."
"It's been a little bit harder to come to work and feel as secure as we used to," O'Neill said, adding she's glad the locks have been changed as the group's members had started using the garages behind the house and coming into its common areas.
"We're secure now," she said.
The Lowertown Community Association had urged the city to step in to stop the sale and either buy the building itself or help someone local take it over.
Sylvie Bigras, president of the association, described the eviction as "good news" for the neighbourhood.
"There's a bit of a sigh of relief," she said. "We're hopeful that they will follow through with the eviction."
She said St. Brigid's is "breathtaking" and the association has ideas for ways the property could be used as a community centre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Kristy Nease, David Fraser and Sonja Koenig
Future of group in St. Brigid's Church in question after possible eviction attempt
Ottawa police says it was called to keep peace in 'dispute between the landlord and tenant' Wednesday evening
The United People of Canada's future in a Lowertown church is being called into question after what appears to have been an attempt by St. Brigid's owners to evict their tenants on Wednesday evening.
A bailiff, Ottawa police and a locksmith attended the scene Wednesday night, as well as curious residents and supporters of The United People of Canada (TUPC), which raised eyebrows after setting up what it calls The Embassy inside the deconsecrated church earlier this summer, and raised eyebrows again when it set up its own "private security force" earlier this month.
In an emailed statement Thursday morning, Ottawa police said they were called at about 6:20 p.m. "as part of a dispute between the landlord and tenant. This was a civil court matter and police were called to be present and keep the peace.
"There were no further incidents to report."
In a notice posted on the door of the Rectory Art House next door to the church, the landlord gave notice that the lease was terminated effective Wednesday for $10,000 in unpaid rent and failure to provide liability insurance in the amount of $5 million.
An attached notice said TUPC is also in violation of the Ontario Heritage Act for changing the appearance of the premises without the written approval of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and in violation of the Ontario Building Code Act "for failing to obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction works" at the site.
Group calls eviction 'unlawful'
In a statement emailed to CBC Wednesday night, one of TUPC's directors, William Komer, alleges the owners of St. Brigid's tried to "unlawfully evict" the organization after it raised concerns "regarding what we understand to be breaches of the Ontario Human Rights Code by the property owners."
The statement also says church owners are punishing TUPC "for refusing to discriminate against people based on their creed."
On its Facebook page, TUPC wrote that it has "honoured all of our rent obligations at the time they were due," and that it believes the owners "made false claims ... to try to justify an eviction."
The
doors of St. Brigid's Church have been painted red, and banners bearing
a white tree insignia hang on either side. Diane Nolan, a director of
The United People of Canada, said the 13 leaves represent each of
Canada's provinces and territories. (Pierre-Paul Couture/CBC)
'Potential sale' details unclear
Details of the arrangement between the church's owners and TUPC are unclear. In an interview with CBC earlier this month, Komer said a conditional sale of the church had been agreed upon, but CBC has not been able to reach the church's owners to verify.
Land registry documents show a numbered company traced back to Patrick McDonald, one of the investors who bought the church after it was deconsecrated in 2007, still owns it.
Multiple attempts to reach McDonald have been unsuccessful for weeks.
A statement sent to CBC in late July by Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts — with McDonald listed as the person to contact for more information — described the arrangement as a "potential sale," and said the response to CBC's initial story on The United People of Canada's presence at the church "has been overwhelming."
"It has been an immensely difficult week for Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts and those involved in its work over the last 15 years. It has been dedicated to inclusivity, culture and arts and comments challenging that dedication have been difficult to read and hear," the July 25 statement reads.
"It is the hope of all involved with the Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts that its important legacy and the work done to establish the location as a stronghold for the arts and the Ottawa community is honoured and continued in the future."
Vehicles adorned with flags and protest stickers were parked in the
parking lot of St. Brigid's Church on Thursday morning. (Sonja
Koenig/CBC)
Links to Freedom Convoy
After the incident Wednesday night, TUPC members and supporters streamed updates on social media throughout the night from inside the church, saying they're staying put and that lawyers are involved.
Early Thursday morning, one of them said in a video that nothing else happened overnight.
In recent weeks a handful of Freedom Convoy supporters have travelled to Ottawa to support TUPC, which — despite some evidence to the contrary — has staunchly denied any connection to the Freedom Convoy protest that clogged downtown Ottawa streets for weeks this past winter, only ending after a massive police operation to clear streets.
Vehicles adorned with flags, stickers and signs associated with the convoy are regularly parked in the church's lot; one of TUPC's directors has shared posts appearing to show support for the convoy on social media; another director described herself as an adviser to Dwayne Lich, the husband of convoy leader Tamara Lich; and the group began hosting "community conversations" about the convoy this month, including an open mic event with Brian Derksen: The Trucker That Never Left, according to the group's Facebook page.
Diane Nolan, a director of The United People of Canada, gives an interview outside St. Brigid's Church on Aug. 18, 2022. (CBC)
People inside church overnight doing 'community watch': TUPC
In an interview outside the church Thursday morning, Diane Nolan, another TUPC director, said "we have the rent and we've paid the rent," which was due Aug. 15, and that proof of insurance was shown to police Wednesday.
"I don't really know all the details, but we have given the rent, as far as I'm concerned. We've tried to give — you know there's been a lot of communication breakdown between lawyers, so that's what's got to be dealt with, really," she continued.
Asked whether people are sleeping and living inside the church, Nolan said they've instituted a "community watch" due to vandalism, in which "we have people circulating and here on shifts" in two-hour segments.
The interview derailed after several people who live in the area started asking questions of the group. It devolved into a heated back and forth between the residents and Nolan, as well as other TUPC members who were recording with their smartphones and asking questions of their own.
After the interview resumed and Nolan was asked if she could see how Ottawans might be disturbed by Freedom Convoy-looking vehicles after the weeks-long protest, she said, "To each his own. Everybody can do what they want to do.… So they can decorate their car the way they want.
"I am so sorry it's caused so many people some problems, but there are more people it didn't cause problems to," she said of the convoy.
"Why can't someone who decorates their car make a difference? It doesn't mean they're less than; like, that's discrimination," she said.
With files from David Fraser, Dan Taekema and Sonja Koenig
Controversial group creates 'private security force' to guard former church
TUPC's move 'incredibly concerning' for Lowertown residents, community association says
A controversial organization operating out of a historic Ottawa church has set up what it calls a "private security force," saying it was necessary because police weren't responding to its concerns quickly enough.
The United People of Canada (TUPC) said it has identified people it claims have committed crimes targeting the group, and is prepared to "ensure the rule of law is upheld within our lawful authority," according to William Komer, one of its directors.
However, Komer wouldn't share details about whether the force will be made up of outside contractors or the group's supporters.
"The exact security force, who's involved, we're keeping that completely private," Komer said Tuesday.
Security and investigative agencies in Ontario must have a valid licence, but the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which oversees them, said it hasn't heard from TUPC about its force.
"The ministry can confirm it has not had any contact with this group and is not aware of any plans this group may have for a private security force in Ottawa," a spokesperson wrote in an email to CBC.
Community association raises concerns
Meanwhile, some community members are questioning why a private security force is necessary.
"For them to talk about a private security force, some residents have said, 'Is this a militia?'" said Sylvia Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association. "It's incredibly concerning."
Komer said there's no plan for vigilante justice or a militia, just a "lawful security force."
An Aug. 4 Facebook comment from the organization said it plans to create a "sizeable security force," and that it had "commissioned" its first member to "stand guard."
The
United People of Canada said it had commissioned the first member of
its security force in a Facebook post from August 4, 2022. (The United People of Canada/Facebook)
Security agencies in Ontario have to comply with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act. They must also have an agency licence and can only hire licensed staff. Failing to comply with the act can result in fines up to $250,000 and one year of imprisonment, the province's website states.
The ministry "does not currently have a security guard agency application from this group," a spokesperson said in an email to CBC on Tuesday.
TUPC is in the process of buying St. Brigid's, a former church and arts centre in Lowertown.
Police service inadequate, TUPC claims
According to a statement from the organization, the force will be made up of licensed security guards, special constables or paid duty police officers, licensed private investigators, private prosecutors and a community liaison team.
"The private security force is already operational," Komer said Tuesday. It will be paid for through community contributions, and the group is also considering contracting it out to other organizations or businesses, he added.
"From our perspective ... we're not receiving adequate police service," Komer said, explaining the force will "ensure protection of this property, our members, and participants at various events and functions."
Asked what issues TUPC has encountered so far, the director said one of their banners had been taken, some of their flags had been stolen and the property had been vandalized. On Tuesday the word "cult" could be seen in faded spray paint out front. Members of the organization have also received death threats, he said.
Komer was unable to recall the exact number of police reports the group had filed, but called it a "considerable amount" since TUPC has only been at St. Brigid's for a short time.
St.
Brigid's is a former Catholic Church and arts centre. The United People
of Canada are in the process of purchasing the heritage property. (Francis Ferland/CBC)
Despite providing information to police, Komer said investigators have "not been moving fast enough, for us, with respect to dealing with these criminal acts."
In a statement to CBC, Ottawa police said it has four reports from the group's St. Patrick Street address on file, though those may not include recent complaints made online.
The service will continue to "investigate reported incidents at that address and community safety concerns," it read.
Members of the police neighbourhood resource team met with TUPC last weekend to discuss mischief and threats at the property, as well as the security force.
The impending sale of St. Brigid's, which TUPC calls "The Embassy," isn't sitting well with some in the community. The Lowertown Community Association has called on the city to step in and either buy the heritage property itself, or provide funding to a local organization to do so.
Community members have also raised questions about possible links to this past winter's Freedom Convoy.
Komer has flatly denied any connection to the protest. However, one of TUPC's directors has shared posts appearing to show support for the convoy on social media, and a second described herself as an adviser to Dwayne Lich, the husband of convoy leader Tamara Lich.
The group began hosting "community conversations" about the convoy this week. Wednesday's session is an open mic event with Brian Derksen: The Trucker That Never Left, the group's Facebook page shows.
According to a post on Monday, the talks are sponsored by a website called Vaccine Injury Awareness. The post says TUPC is looking forward to bringing a variety of community members together for the events.
However, it also states that if TUPC feels someone is being disrespectful they may be asked to leave immediately. If they don't, "they may be subject to arrest without warrant under the powers granted to The United People of Canada by the Trespass to Property Act."
Komer said no such arrests have been made so far.
Bigras, head of the community association, said she doesn't see how TUPC's message of being an inclusive organization that's open to talking can be reconciled with its security force and mention of arrests.
"They're issuing threats is what they're doing," she said. "When somebody threatens you, it doesn't exactly make you ready to have a positive conversation."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Some community advocates want city to step in on sale of St. Brigid's church
Church in process of being acquired by non-profit group The United People of Canada
An Ottawa community association says it wants the city to intervene on the impending sale of a local church to a group with suspected ties to the Freedom Convoy.
The previous owners of St. Brigid's Church, located in Lowertown, recently agreed to sell it to The United People of Canada (TUPC) — a group that describes itself online as a "diverse, intergenerational fraternal organization." In social media posts it refers to the building as The Embassy.
But since the group moved in, its colourful redecorating, which includes painted red doors and white tree insignias, has raised eyebrows from members of the local community. Some have pointed to social media posts from some of TUPC's members, which suggest ties to the Freedom Convoy.
Corporate filings for TUPC show three directors: William Komer, Kimberly Ward and Diane Nolan.
In a video posted on March 7, Ward described herself as an adviser for Dwayne Lich, the husband of Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich.
On Nolan's Facebook page, several posts appear to be associated with the Freedom Convoy and the movement the winter occupation inspired, such as sharing the Canadian Convoy Rally Song.
TUPC leadership has outright denied any connection to the movement, saying members' actions don't reflect the larger group's beliefs.
Diane Nolan, one of the directors of The United People of Canada has
shared several posts about the convoy on Facebook. (Diane
Nolan/Facebook)
Now members of the Lowertown Community Association are pointing to pictures of what appear to be two vehicles parked in front of St. Brigid's. One has "Freedom Express" painted on the side. The other is marked with a "F*ck Trudeau" sticker. Both are adorned with Canadian flags, a popular symbol among convoy protesters.
"We, as well as the Centretown residents, lived through a very difficult time, and it's certainly not something we want to revisit," said Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association. "That close association is extremely concerning."
Now the Lowertown association and other local advocates are calling on the city to step in to ensure the building is either acquired by the city itself or sold to someone local. A petition has been started that had more than 500 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.
Group continues to deny association with Freedom Convoy
Komer, TUPC's director, said he was not aware of the petition until CBC informed him of it, but that a conditional sale of the church has already been agreed upon by the previous owners.
Despite continued accusations, Komer insisted TUPC was not associated with the Freedom Convoy.
William
Komer, a director of an organization called The United People of
Canada, says it plans to turn St. Brigid's in downtown Ottawa into a
community hub where conversation can happen and all are welcome. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
"The United People of Canada is in no way whatsoever affiliated with the Freedom Convoy. We've been abundantly clear with that despite what seems to be continuing misinformation being spread online," he said.
The impending owners have broken no rules, but have been the subject of themselves of criminal activity, Komer said.
He said "malicious actors" have committed several offences against TUPC, including death threats, harassment and vandalism on the church steps.
Ottawa police said they have received four calls in the past week related to the former church, but would not comment on the nature of the calls or provide details on investigations into the reports.
WATCH | Lowertown community petition opposes group with alleged ties to Freedom Convoy
City not taking action
A statement from Court Curry, the city's manager of heritage and urban design services, did not comment on whether or not the city would or could eventually get involved in the ownership of St. Brigid's. It only said that "no activity has been initiated to acquire the subject property."
Curry wrote that as a heritage building, any modifications to the interior or exterior of the church would require a permit from the city.
"If the owner of the building plans to readapt the property for any new use, city staff would work closely with the proponent on how to do so," he said.
In a post to its Facebook page, TUPC said it's open to a conversation with its neighbours and it intends to join the Lowertown Community Association's monthly meeting on Monday.
With files from Radio-Canada and Dan Taekema
Questions swirl about group that's set up 'embassy' at St. Brigid's in Lowertown
'Their messaging is very unclear,' says community association president
The doors of St. Brigid's have been painted red and banners bearing a white tree insignia hang on either side.
It's a striking visual that's captured the attention of community members and left some with questions, including about possible connections to this past winter's Freedom Convoy.
A director for the group flatly denied any link with the protest that shut down part of downtown Ottawa for three weeks this past winter, saying it's not associated with the convoy and anyone who says otherwise is spreading misinformation.
But one of the organization's directors has shared posts about the convoy on social media and a second described herself as an adviser to Dwayne Lich, the husband of convoy leader Tamara Lich, during her bail process.
Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association, said getting clear answers about the group that's begun working out of the former Catholic church at St. Patrick and Cumberland streets isn't easy.
"Their messaging is very unclear as to who they are and what their objectives are."
Group calls building The Embassy
The tree logo hanging at St. Brigid's represents The United People of Canada (TUPC), which describes itself online as a "diverse, intergenerational fraternal organization." In social media posts it refers to the building as The Embassy.
The group has been advertising weekly barbecues as a chance to check out what they're up to. When CBC visited on Sunday about 10 people were present, including several wearing hats with the TUPC logo.
William Komer, a director of the board, said the organization was founded this year and began looking at acquiring St. Brigid's in the past few months to adapt it into a community event space where everyone is welcome to "dialogue."
"There needs to be a lot of healing in our communities," he said, adding he wants to set up a site where people can gather to debate issues, whether they agree or not.
Komer suggested a model where people could use a key fob to access a co-working space, visit a café or even access the site as a "24/7 community safe space."
Red
banners with The United People of Canada logo hang at St. Brigid's. A
director for the group says it's in the process of acquiring the
building. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
"We're in a due diligence process right now with the current owners," he said when asked about the status of the building. "It's under a contract of purchase and sale agreement."
An online real estate posting for the address at 310 St. Patrick St., was still active as of Monday morning, with an asking price of $5,950,000.
Land registry documents show a numbered company traced back to Patrick McDonald, one of the investors who bought the church after it was deconsecrated in 2007, still owns the property.
CBC has attempted to contact McDonald since Friday, but he has not responded.
Asked where the organization found funds for a purchase of that size, Komer said the main funding source is through community bonds and added more information would be shared online later.
TUPC's website also offers visitors an opportunity to donate or buy a range of products with the organization's logo, from $45 water bottles and hats to $250 high-top sneakers.
We're also not Nazis, racist, misogynist, or whatever else.
- William Komer, The United People of Canada
"Some people have speculated, 'Oh did some Freedom Convoy funds get used to purchase a building here?' I can say for a fact that is not the case," Komer said.
"I don't know what did or didn't happen with … that stuff but this is completely funds that we're raising privately through community contributors."
The biggest contributor so far gave because of the "good work we're doing in the community," Komer said, but he declined to say more about them because he hadn't talked to donors about sharing their names with the media.
"I wouldn't be at this time comfortable talking about who they are, given like all the hate that's being spewed about our organization right now."
Organization has retained legal counsel
Commentors on Reddit and Facebook have posed questions about the organization online. Komer said some have even gone further than suggesting a connection to the convoy.
"We're also not Nazis, racist, misogynist, or whatever else is defamatory, libellous writing online, that we understand is both a no-no civilly and potentially criminal culpability for individuals."
Komer said the organization has retained legal counsel that is ready to intervene if necessary.
I would say at this point our community here in Lowertown is concerned and trying to get more information.
- Sylvie Bigras, Lowertown Community Association
Corporate filings for TUPC show it was founded as a not-for-profit on March 24 and lists three directors: Komer, Kimberly Ward and Diane Nolan.
In a video posted on March 7, following Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich's bail hearing, a woman who identified herself as Kimberly Ward described herself as an adviser for Dwayne Lich, Tamara Lich's husband.
"This is just the start of something that's so beautiful for Canada," she says in the video, asking people to pray for the couple. "Know that they stood for most of us."
Komer confirmed the woman in the video is the same Kimberly Ward who sits on the TUPC board.
Posts shared on Nolan's Facebook page include several associated with the Freedom Convoy and the movement it's inspired, such as the Canadian Convoy Rally Song.
Diane Nolan, one of the directors of The United People of Canada, has
shared several posts about the convoy on Facebook. (Diane
Nolan/Facebook)
Asked about those posts and how some could see Nolan sharing them as affiliating TUPC with the protest, Komer said he did not agree.
"Whether somebody does or doesn't personally support something doesn't mean an organization's affiliated with that thing," he said.
"To draw that conclusion would be inappropriate, and to make such statement would be false in this case."
Dwayne Lich shares photos wearing logo
Nolan has also shared information about TUPC and photos of its gear being made that were first posted by Dwayne Lich.
Pictures of Dwayne wearing a TUPC hoodie, including two where he poses with his wife, can be seen across his Facebook page, along with images at and inside St. Brigid's.
This
photo Dwayne Lich posted on Facebook shows him wearing a hoodie with
The United People of Canada logo while standing next to his wife, Tamara
Lich. (Dwayne Lich/Facebook)
During a February bail hearing for Tamara Lich, her husband told the court he didn't believe in blockades, but also said he didn't see anything wrong with the protest equating it to a large traffic jam or parked cars in a snow storm.
"I don't see no guns. I don't see anything criminal as far as I can see," Dwayne Lich said at the time, and also questioned whether the Emergencies Act was implemented legally.
Asked about Dwayne Lich's role with TUPC, Komer said he believes drawing a connection between Tamara Lich's activities with the convoy and her husband's connection to the organization might be "marital status-based discrimination."
"I'm not aware that this individual who it's a fact is married to Tamara Lich has ever supported the Freedom Convoy, not to my knowledge," he said.
Komer said he was in Ottawa himself during the convoy as part of a documentary film group, adding what he saw during the protest differed from the public narrative.
While people were saying the convoy was "sieging" Ottawa, "in my personal opinion perhaps … the convoy was sieged by others," Komer said.
Asked if he considers himself a convoy and freedom movement supporter, Komer did not answer directly.
He said he believes people should be able to have a conversation about COVID-19 mandates and mandatory vaccinations but doesn't believe the best place for the conversation is the streets of Ottawa.
"I think a building like this might be a better place for that, right?" he said, pointing to St. Brigid's.
Community 'concerned,' trying to learn more
Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury said the situation shows the "risk" of having a privately owned heritage property with close community ties go on the market.
Wounds left by the convoy on Lowertown and the ByWard Market are "fresh," he added, and said he's seen the "angst" questions about TUPC have caused on social media.
A
banner with the logo for The United People of Canada sits inside St.
Brigid's, a former Catholic church on St. Patrick Street in Ottawa. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
Bigras, the community association president, said her staff have been on "a fact-finding mission" about the group and its plans.
Those efforts have included speaking with police and Fleury's office. A vice-president of the association also visited the building on Sunday but no one was there, she said.
The church is a beautiful property and the association would be glad to see it occupied, but it's in "wait-and-see" mode now, according to Bigras.
"I would say at this point our community here in Lowertown is concerned and trying to get more information."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Joseph Tunney
Convoy-affiliated group faces eviction from Ottawa church they're trying to make an 'embassy'
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https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/freedom-convoy-affiliated-group-being-evicted-from-ottawa-church-1.6032319
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
A "Notice of Termination of Tenant" notice on the front door of St. Brigid's Church on St. Patrick Street says the landlord has terminated the occupancy of the United People of Canada under the Commercial Tenancies Act, and the locks will be changed.
The notice says the landlord has terminated the lease, effective Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, as a result of "arrears of payment of rent in the amount of $10,000" and "failure to provide proof of liability insurance in the minimum of $5 million." Another notice on the door says the tenants are in violation of the Ontario Heritage Act and failed to obtain necessary permits for construction under the Ontario Building Code Act.
Early Thursday evening, a resident with a speaker played the songs "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Steam and "Happy Trails" across the street from the church.
The United People of Canada have said they are in the process of purchasing St. Brigid's Church on St. Patrick Street, with plans to turn it into an "Embassy." The historic church has been for sale for over a year, with an asking price of $5.9 million.
The group is calling the eviction notice "unlawful."
We believe there's been a breach on the Ontario Human Rights Code by the owners of the property," TUPOC Board of Directors member Dianne Nolan said. "We had to involve the police. Of course, there are people out there who like to cause trouble against us, and they have to live with themselves."
The bailiff returned to the church on Thursday morning after initially visiting the church the day before to issue the notice of termination. Several Ottawa police cruisers were spotted outside St. Brigid's Church early Wednesday evening to assist with a dispute between the landlord and tenant.
"At approximately 6:20 p.m., officers were called to a building located in the 300 block of St. Patrick St. as part of a dispute between the landlord and tenant," Ottawa police said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.
"This was a civil court matter and police were called to be present and keep the peace. There were no further incidents to report."
On Thursday afternoon, the locks were changed at the Rectory, where an art studio has been using the space.
There were several people standing outside the church Wednesday evening when police arrived. Volunteer Patrick Lafleche told Newstalk 580 CFRA the rent has been paid, but noted he had not talked to the owner and the potential buyer of the church.
Newstalk 580 CFRA's Andrew Pinsent said a locksmith was not allowed on site to change the locks and decided to come back on Thursday.
In a statement early Thursday morning, William Komer of the United People of Canada said the attempt to "unlawfully evict" the group was in retaliation for complaints.
"It is our understanding that there was an attempt by the property owners this evening to unlawfully evict The United People of Canada from The Embassy following our raising of concerns regarding what we understand to be breaches of the Ontario Human Rights Code by the property owners, including, but not limited to, what we understand to be unlawful reprisal against us for refusing to discriminate against people based on their creed," Komer said.
Komer claims the group called Ottawa police, "who quickly came to our aid, and an unlawful eviction did not take place."
"The United People of Canada have been, and remain to be, lawfully occupying The Embassy," Komer said.
The United People of Canada's website did not provide any details of the alleged Ontario Human Rights Code violations by the property owner.
"Our Private Prosecution Team is on standby, and prepared to take appropriate legal action if necessary, to ensure that the Rule of Law is upheld, if the Ottawa Police Service is unable or unwilling to enforce the Trespass to Property Act and the Criminal Code of Canada with respect to what we understand to be offences committed against The United People of Canada this evening by the property owners and/or their agent(s)," Komer said. "We understand these to be hate-motivated offences against The United People Of Canada. The Ontario Crown Prosecution Manual indicates that there is a substantial public interest to prosecute hate-motivated offences."
The statement did not say anything about whether rent was paid up, or the pending purchase of the property.
On Thursday afternoon, the United People of Canada and its supporters showed no sign of leaving the property.
"The United People of Canada are going to stay in the church and keep working, that's the consensus right now," said one person.
The Lowertown Community Association has expressed concerns with the group's presence at the church.
"We're concerned about their links to the community, what they're objectives are and establishing headquarters for this organization in our community," Sylvie Bigras said.
Earlier this week, posters opposing the United People of Canada's purchase of the church were put up in Lowertown. The posters point to a Horizon Ottawa petition calling for the city to step in and find another buyer or buy the property, but Horizon Ottawa said the posters were not affiliated with them.
In July, The United People of Canada moved into St. Brigid's Church on St. Patrick Street, saying it planned to purchase the church for its "Embassy." There was red banners hanging from the front of the church.
The largest financial backer for the group is Tony Cuzzocrea, President of Planmar Financial Corp. based in London, Ont.
The TUPOC group has come under fire from some members of the community over support for the "Freedom Convoy."
CTV News Ottawa has reached out to the owner of the property and the real estate agent listed on the sale of St. Brigid's Church for more information about the dispute between the landlord and the tenant and the pending sale of the church.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Katie Griffin and Jeremie Charron and Newstalk 580 CFRA's Andrew Pinsent
St. Brigid's church tenants want charges laid against poster campaigners
An example of a poster near the former St. Brigid's church in Ottawa,
which has become a base of operations for a group called "The United
People of Canada". The poster's QR code directs people to a petition
against the group's takeover of the former church. (Katie Griffin/CTV
News Ottawa)Posters against the group setting up shop in the former St. Brigid's church in Lowertown will have to come down because they violate city bylaws, according to the head of Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services.
The posters said, "St. Brigid's belongs to our community not to the convoy."
“Posters being glued and affixed to both public property and with respect to these garbage receptacles, electrical boxes, Canada post mailboxes as well as there were a couple posters that were unlawfully glued to the embassy property here," said William Komer, The ‘United People of Canada’ board of directors member. "We haven’t seen one lawfully posted whatsoever."
The posters point to a Horizon Ottawa petition calling for the city to step in and find another buyer or buy the property itself. The advocacy group says it is not them.
"Whoever is putting these posters up, as far as we know, is not associated with our organization," said board member Sam Hersh.
The group's petition has nearly 3,500 signatures.
"What we need there is a vital community space and to revitalize that space," said Hersh. "We’ve been door knocking out in Lowertown, we’ve been petitioning out around there and around 97 per cent of the people we speak to in the community are not supportive of the presence of this organization being there."
The United People of Canada says it is working with police to identify whoever put the posters up.
In his remarks to the Ottawa Police Services Board, interim Chief Steve Bell said the service will "continue to investigate reported incidents at that address and community safety concerns."
An inside look at the Ottawa church property turned 'Embassy' for the United People of Canada
It’s a historic building in Ottawa’s Lowertown.
It was once a church, then a community arts and cultural centre, and now the United People of Canada (TUPOC) is looking to revitalize and repurpose St. Brigid's church, and this is what it looks like right now.
The TUPOC's purchase of the historic church is also raising questions and concerns from some members of the community, who align the group with February's "Freedom Convoy" occupation of downtown Ottawa.
A look behind the doors of this historic Lowertown building shows what TUPOC are calling their ‘Embassy’, and project director William Komer said it’s part of a larger plan.
"We're repurposing infrastructure, right here at St. Brigid’s, and throughout the country we're going to be acquiring a number of properties, acreage and different assets to create vibrant community spaces," Komer said.
The former St. Brigid's project would include a café in a space that once was a pub, as well as a stage for musical performances and speaking sessions, and a co-working space.
"The goal of St. Brigid's is to in part to bring back to the community what was a great community space, previous to it being shut down," Komer said.
It is already a gathering point for TUPOC supporters, who insist this group is a separate cause from February's "Freedom Convoy" occupation.
"It's welcoming all kinds of people, not only freedom fighters. I am a freedom fighter, but I've seen other people that are here for other reasons," one person told CTV News Ottawa, who was attending the TUPOC Sunday BBQ.
"A lot of the same people are in both groups, but they're not connected; they're not part of a bigger organization," another person said..
The project has not come without critics, some aligning this group with the freedom movement. One of the group's directors describes herself as an adviser to Tamara Lich's partner.
"Somebody is you know praying with somebody's partner, how does that affiliate them with something the public is associating their partner with, it just doesn't make sense to us," said Komer.
In a letter to area residents, Coun. Mathieu Fleury said St. Brigid's, "Is a beloved institution with longstanding community ties and history. I am concerned about losing this and seeing a group not linked to our city or community take over this local community's historic space."
The group has a message for its detractors.
"If anyone has any questions or concerns, this is our sixth weekend of being available to address any community questions, receive input, and have involvement," Komer said.
The group said they have had issues with vandalism and that several flags have been damaged or taken down.
The property is still in the process of being acquired. It was on the market for nearly $6 million.
Group behind St. Brigid’s church purchase denies ties to 'Freedom Convoy', says it's about peace and love
Plans to repurpose the St. Brigid's church property up for sale in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood have been unveiled, and the group behind the project denies ties to the "Freedom Convoy", instead saying it’s all about peace and love.
The United People of Canada (TUPOC) are calling the new property, located at the corner of St. Patrick Street and Cumberland Street, their "Embassy."
"Just looking to create a unique and inclusive space where people of all different backgrounds and beliefs are welcome to participate in dialogue, participate in co-working, access a community cafe, venue space and we're hosting a number of community conversations," said William Komer, Director of TUPOC.
The organization says it is in the process of buying the property, which is listed for nearly $6 million.
Their largest financial backer is a London, Ont. financial adviser.
"The whole thing is to create a lot of love from our good example, hoping that these people will pass it along to their little world and eventually we hope to have locations around the world," said Tony Cuzzocrea, the President of Planmar Financial Corp.
Cuzzocrea wouldn’t specify how much money he has contributed, but admitted he is the project’s largest financial backer.
The TUPOC group has come under fire from some members of the community over support for the "Freedom Convoy."
"You look at their website and it's just platitudes. You know I can say peace and love, peace and love, but what really are you doing?" said Sylvie Bigras, President of the Lowertown Community Association.
One of the group's directors has admitted to being an adviser to Dwayne Lich, the partner of "Freedom Convoy" organizer Tamara Lich, but the group denies connections to the occupation.
"Someone is going around alleging that 3.2 million of 'Freedom Convoy' funds went to purchasing St. Brigid's church, that's completely false," said Komer.
"We are no way connected with them at all. We're good people with great intentions, only wanting to help mankind," added Cuzzocrea.
There are no plans to make major changes to the former St. Brigid’s Church, just to revitalize and repurpose it, the group said.
Concerns as convoy-connected group establishes in Ottawa neighbourhood
The stark red banners hanging from St. Brigid’s church on Saint Patrick Street are nearly impossible to miss; the white insignia of a tree adorned with maple leaves offering neighbours little indication as to who is behind the new developments at the deconsecrated church.
The group is known as The United People of Canada, a self-described federally incorporated “not-for-profit social enterprise organization.”
Corporate documents show three members on the group’s board of directors: Kimberley Ward, William Komer, and Diane Nolan.
Social media posts show all three have close ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation.
Ward has previously told CTV News she is an advisor to Tamara Lich, and gave interviews to multiple media outlets in March when Lich was originally released on bail, saying at the time “she’s happy., everybody’s happy, we did it.”
Ward and Komer can be seen in multiple photos on social media with Lich’s husband, Dwayne Lich, who has also posted significantly about the new organization, as early as this spring.
For her part, Nolan took part in the occupation, live-streaming from the downtown core several times throughout.
In one Jan. 30 livestream, Nolan appears on Parliament Hill and can be heard saying, “Wow, it’s for real. Enough is enough, we’re standing for freedom, we’re standing for what God intended for this country right from the beginning.”
Lowertown residents say they’re concerned with the group’s appearance at the church, and plans to create what TUPC calls “The Embassy;” a downtown location described by the organization’s social media as a “Forum of the People, where all voices have the opportunity to be heard, regardless of how niche the thought, opinion, expression, or belief.”
“I did hear about it being an HQ, an embassy, an office, that kind of thing. That’s the part makes me a little uncertain,” Mohamed Elmekki said.
City officials and community organizations in the area say they’ve been inundated by residents concerned about the usage of the space.
“We’ve looked online at who the group is, tried to find out what their objectives are, so we’re concerned, not terrified, but we’re in a fact finding mission right now, just trying to get a little more information,” Sylvie Bingras, President of the Lowertown Community Association said.
The building, a designated heritage site, is private property and currently listed at a sale price of $5.95 million.
In an email, Komer told CTV News the group plans to “restore and adaptively reuse surplus and under utilized institutional properties into vibrant community spaces.”
CTV News reached out to the owner of the property to inquire about the potential sale, but did not get a response by deadline.
Sources tell CTV News there has been interest from TUPC in the property.
Neighbours say they’re worried the groups connections to the Freedom movement could bring back the tensions of the convoy occupation.
“It’s not a good feeling, not good memories. It was really terrible for a lot of people,” Lise Letellier, who walks past the church almost everyday, said.
“We are still very fragile in terms of having gone through a very difficult time last February, many of our residents went through really difficult - I have sons who live in Lowertown who were harassed, intimidated,” Bingras said.
“I find myself in a very challenging position saying this is a privately owned property yet we’re here from a city point of view we have to maintain public safety and we have to be accountable and responsible to residents concern,” Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury said.
CTV News reached out to each of the directors of The United People of Canada for an interview but did not get a response by deadline.
In an email, Komer wrote “it is unfortunate that our social enterprise organization…has been subject to such hateful, untrue, and defamatory statements as have been circulating on social media recently.”
Komer did not expand on what statements about the group he believed to be untrue.
'They’re not honouring the owner's rights': TUPOC supporters refuse to vacate former church site
The property owner says the group owes $10,000 in rent, failed to provide proof of liability insurance and was performing unauthorized construction at the heritage building.
Supporters of The United People of Canada (TUPOC), the group renting the former St. Brigid’s church site, remained at the property on Friday and said they did not intend to leave despite attempts to evict them over allegations of unpaid rent.
The property owner has hired Cease Bailiff Services to get TUPOC supporters off the property, saying the group owes $10,000 in rent, failed to provide proof of liability insurance and was performing unauthorized construction at the church, which is a heritage building.
Cease Bailiff Services told this newspaper via text that the landlord had secured the art rectory building and garage, buildings adjacent to the church, but owned by the same landlord. TUPOC no longer had access to them.
“Our main concern today is that the artists and area residents are comfortable and not being obstructed,” the company said. “TUPOC still refuse to vacate. They’re not honouring the owner’s rights.”
TUPOC supporters, one of them wearing what appeared to be a tactical vest, projected optimism on Friday. They sat on the steps of the church and occasionally exchanged insults with passing Lowertown residents who appeared to take glee in the group’s rental woes.
“It’s not about the building,” said Diane Nolan, one of the directors of TUPOC. “It is about the building, but it’s really about the people. Because it is a heart-to-heart. Everybody’s got lives, but we’re so caught in that bureaucracy, right?”
Nolan said William Komer, another TUPOC director, was weighing legal action against the property’s landlord and “considering his options.”
“Don’t believe anything he says,” David, a bailiff with Cease Bailiff Services, said of Komer. “He tells everybody he bought the church.”
David, who did not provide a last name, said he returned to the property on Friday and posted notices on the cars parked there, notifying their owners that the vehicles needed to be moved or he would have them towed.
He also said there was a break-in at the rectory garage next to the church building. He said he had notified police.
A bylaw officer ticketed Nolan’s car, which had been parked out front of the church for longer than an hour, the maximum allowed time.
https://opengovca.com/ontario-licence/4713404
Cease Bailiff Services Inc.
5478 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1B2, CANADAOverview
Cease Bailiff Services Inc. is licenced by Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. The licence number is 4713404. The licence type is Bailiff (Business). The business address is 5478 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1B2, CANADA. The current status is appointed (bailiff).
| Licence Number | 4713404 |
| Legal Name | Cease Bailiff Services Inc. |
| Address | 5478 Mitch Owens Road Manotick Ontario K4M 1B2 Canada |
| Telephone | 613-692-9914 |
| miniassembly(a)sympatico.ca | |
| Licence Type | Bailiff (Business) |
| Licence Status | Appointed (Bailiff) |
| Act | Bailiffs Act |
Employee Licences
| Full Name | Licence Type | Licence Status | Issued Date | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David F Glover | Bailiff (Owner) | Appointed (Bailiff) |
Licences with the same name
| Licence Name | Address | Licence Type | Issued Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| David F Glover · Cease Bailiff Services Inc. | 5478 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1B2 | Bailiff (Owner) |
Rights and Responsibilities Awareness Initiative
RRAI is a community initiative, incorporated as a registered charity, aimed at spreading legal, financial, and cultural awareness to the Ontario community. We conduct public awareness campaigns based on the identified needs of the Ontario community to educate the targeted groups about their rights and responsibilities with respect to Canadian laws, regulations, finances, and culture to fill the gaps in important daily life issues which are not provided by most settlement agencies.
Public education is a step to justice
About
Vision:
Ensure that all community members are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Mission:
Spread the awareness of rights and responsibilities in the community.
Objectives:
- Identify the topics that need to be covered in awareness campaigns;
- Plan, coordinate, mobilize resources for the awareness campaign;
- Conduct awareness campaigns to spread awareness in the community;
- Collect and analyze the feedback and make adjustments accordingly;
RRAI Pillars:
- Community: working towards a better and stronger community.
- Education: legal, financial, and cultural awareness.
- Diversity: our services are open for all, everyone is welcome.
- Justice: public education is one step closer to justice.
Establishment
RRAI was established during the application of a proposal created as a response to the Neighborhood Decision Making Initiative/ City of London. The proposal aimed for organizing short courses or seminars in London neighborhoods about the rights and responsibilities of newcomers to London. The funding proposals were subject to a neighborhood vote in November 2019. The proposal was successful, receiving 233 votes, and the City of London provided a grant to fund those seminars.
RRAI is a registered charity, established under federal Canadian laws and regulations.
Charity Registration Number: 724956479 RR 0001
Ontario Corporation Number (5033331)
Board of Directors
Rights and Responsibilities Awareness Initiative is governed by a diversified Board of Directors. The role of the Board is to plan and determine policy and be accountable to RRAI Members and the community it serves.
Photo of 2020/2021 RRAI Board of Directors
The Board of Directors are:
Douglas D. Ferguson (Chair)
Former Director, Community Legal Services, Western University
Barrister and Solicitor
Rafet Sayegh (Vice-Chair)
Business Owner/ BSC/MSc, Electrical Engineering
Khamwatie “Petal” Savage (Treasurer)
Accounting Specialist
Prabh S. Gill (Secretary)
Business Owner/Human Rights Activist
S.Michael Lynk
Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Western University
Greggory “Mac” Ross
Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, Western University
Steve Hillier
London City Councillor
Tony Cuzzocrea
President of Planmar Financial Corp
Wafa Dawoud
Crisis counsellor
Luisa Garcia
Documentation Editor
Lama Abdullh
Student
Hetham Karky (Executive Director)
Rights and Responsibilities Awareness Initiative
201 King St, London, Ontario
N6A 1C9, Canada
Telephone: +1 (226) 700-7632.
Email :info@rrlondon.ca
Please suggest any ideas, topics, or speakers for awareness sessions
https://twitter.com/DavidRaymondAm1/status/1560767116730564608
London financier downplays link to convoy organizers in purchase of former Ottawa church
A London investment adviser helping to bankroll a little known organization's plan to buy and renovate an Ottawa church says he believes Ottawa residents' unease about the perceived relationship between the organization and the "Freedom Convoy" is overblown.
Anthony
Cuzzocrea, president of Planmar Financial Corp., smiles in his Love
First t-shirt while standing in his London, Ont. office. Photo by Calvi Leon /Postmedia OTTAWA – A London investment adviser helping to bankroll a little known organization’s plan to buy and renovate an Ottawa church says he believes Ottawa residents’ unease about the perceived relationship between the organization and the “Freedom Convoy” is overblown.
He says one of his longer-term goals is to purchase the entire block where the church sits, and open a “mini Disney World.”
The United People of Canada (TUPOC) is based in London.
Cuzzocrea wouldn’t say how much he’s contributing to the $5.95-million asking price for the deconsecrated St. Patrick Street church, except to say that it’s “sizable.” William Komer, one of TUPOC’s three directors, described Cuzzocrea as “the major financial supporter” of the planned purchase.
Cuzzocrea, who for 55 years has owned and operated Planmar Financial Corp. in London, believes the “misunderstanding” that TUPOC is connected to the “Freedom Convoy” grew from a woman involved with TUPOC being a “spiritual adviser” to a prominent figure in the convoy movement.
Though Cuzzocrea didn’t mention specific names, TUPOC director Kimberley Ward has said that she has served as an adviser to Dwayne Lich, husband of Tamara Lich.
“Everything that’s been heard and been said is a misunderstanding,” insists Cuzzocrea. “And somehow, it got blown totally out of place, and it continues. But it’s quickly dying down, by the way, because there’s no truth to it.”
The Freedom Convoy protest against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions blocked Ottawa streets for three weeks before police moved on Feb. 17 to begin clearing out trucks and protesters.
310 St. Patrick St in Ottawa, formerly St. Brigid’s Church. (Postmedia Network)
The idea of buying St. Brigid’s, Cuzzocrea says, is a way to get a large event space that small organizations that couldn’t afford it on their own can use.
Cuzzocrea and Komer both have office space in a converted London school, which is how they met. Cuzzocrea says he raised the idea of purchasing St. Brigid’s with him and Komer seized on it.
“Eventually,” says Cuzzocrea, “we’ll be able to prove to the people in that area, or most of them, that we’re good people trying to bring a great thing to the community, to lift the community up.”
Why Ottawa? Cuzzocrea says it was a confluence of Komer knowing people there, and the church becoming available at a “reasonable” price. “And we love Ottawa as being the capital of Canada.”
It’s his hope that as the organization gains recognition, it can raise enough money to purchase the entire block to build a “mini Disney World with a hotel” that would be free for people who can’t afford it.
Community groups, though, are concerned. Sylvie Bigras of the Lowertown Community Association says it’s still trying to determine what TUPOC stands for, a chore she says is made difficult by the group’s website, which is long on platitudes and somewhat fuzzier on specifics.
The organization describes itself as a “diverse, intergenerational fraternal organization,” which promises that, “together, through appreciation and celebration of our unique culture and heritage, we will build strong families and communities, solidifying a prosperous future for all Canadians, where all voices are heard.”
“The problem is that there is so much conflicting information out there,” admits Bigras. “Some people are saying that there’s no link to the ‘Freedom Convoy,’ and some posting clear links on social media. So at this point, we’re in an information-gathering stage to see what’s going on here.”
Bigras added that the idea of an amusement park in Lowertown is additionally concerning.
“We are the oldest community in Ottawa,” she says. “We have so many beautiful heritage structures that are protected under a number of bylaws and regulations. So to have something that just completely as an aberration to that is concerning.”
Komer did not respond to a request for comment by deadline Wednesday on Cuzzocrea’s hope for a “mini Disney World” and whether or not that hope is part of TUPOC’s goals as well.
A deeply religious man, Cuzzocrea cites his early childhood, growing up poor and shoeless in southern Italy, in a house his family built themselves (without an indoor washroom) before moving to Canada when he was 10, as instrumental to his core value of helping others who are less fortunate.
“I do not regret it,” he says of that upbringing. “I thank God every single day. Being extremely poor made me feel for people that are suffering in any way, not just financially, but every which way. All my life I’ve spent trying to help people, I love people. And I love people from the heart.”
Six years ago, Cuzzocrea co-founded the Love First group, a London-based international non-partisan, non-religious organization that encourages people to perform good deeds and random acts of kindness. In 2019, the group started giving out Love First Awards to individuals and groups that did so.
CONTACT
Campus Creative
William Komer
Tel. 1 800 272 3002 x700 | Email: creative@campuscreative.ca
Whether you're a local, new in town, or just cruising through, The United People of Canada offers fun and engaging activities and events for the community to enjoy, participate in, and make new connections within their neighborhood and beyond.
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