Five years ago, Laure-Elaine Cote suffered a severe stroke that changed her life forever. This devastating event led her family to move into a disabled suite in Vancouver, BC, a place they have called home ever since. Unfortunately, they are now facing eviction due to issues directly linked to the disability arising from Laure-Elaine's stroke. This includes prescribed cannabis vapor and noise, both necessary and unavoidable aspects of her day-to-day life as she manages her condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ADhMaE1BYk7snavzT56MPiBLbwgczr8GY48ciWNSHdo/edit?usp=sharing,  Here are the threatening legal letters and the unanswered responses sent in return. No response has ever been given to any. of the very specific remedies Laure-Elaine's family has put into place and no acknowledgement has ever been given to the fact that she is a long term tenant living in a suite for disabled people and their immediate families and caregivers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laure-Elaine requires prescribed cannabis vapor to help manage the pain and symptoms associated with her condition. It's a medically recognized treatment that should not be penalized and is protected under the charter of rights. Additionally, the noise resulting from her condition is not within her control. These are not just nuisances; they are part of the necessary adaptations in dealing with a life-altering disability.

Evicting the Cote family not only threatens them with homelessness but also sets a troubling precedent for disabled individuals relying on medical therapies and accommodations in their homes. It is critical that our community supports residents like Laure-Elaine, who face distinct challenges and deserve compassion and understanding.

The situation at Matheson Heights Co-Operative highlights the broader issue of housing insecurity among disabled individuals. According to Statistics Canada, people with disabilities are significantly more at risk of experiencing housing instability. Ensuring accessible housing that accommodates medical needs is crucial for fostering an inclusive society.

We urge Geoffrey Dabbs, the Matheson Co-Op board and local authorities to reconsider this eviction and work towards a solution that respects Laure-Elaine's medical needs and right to housing. Supporting disabled residents by making reasonable accommodations is not only just and necessary for their well-being, it's also the law.

Help us protect Laure-Elaine Cote and her family from losing their home by signing this petition. Stand with us in advocating for fair treatment and housing security for all individuals with disabilities.   

 

 

 

After signing feel free to write a letter or call the Matheson Co-Op board's attorney Geoffrey Dabbs and voice your support for Laure-Elaine and her  family.

 

 

 

https://gdlaw.ca/lawyers/geoffrey-h-dabbs/

 

gd@gdlaw.ca

 

 

 

604.642.0117