Check out our Ottawa and Gatineau ACORN leaders
Marie Lourdes Garnier
Chair of the South-Ottawa Chapter
Marie is a strong, francophone ACORN leader from Haiti. She has been a fierce campaigner for child care issues. She has passionately led many of ACORN’s campaigns since 2012, on issues such as minimum wage increases and community benefits agreements.
Edward Roue
Chair of the Central-Ottawa Chapter
Eddy was born and raised in Ottawa and has been fighting for social justice since he was 18 years old. He joined ACORN in the late 2010s after seeing the power of grassroots organizing at first hand. He is passionate about climate justice because by building more sustainable communities, we can help not just our neighbours but tenants and workers around the world
Sara Laviolette
Chair of the Ottawa-Vanier Chapter
Sara Laviolette is the Chair of Ottawa-Vanier ACORN, a single parent and longtime community advocate. She joined ACORN while facing a renoviction and quickly became a leader, fighting for tenant rights and stronger housing protections. With 20 years of experience in education and leadership, she believes in the power of collective action to create change. As Chair, she’s committed to building tenant power and ensuring affordable housing for all.
Bader Abu Zahra
Co-Chair of Ottawa-Vanier Chapter
Bader is a retired engineer. He immigrated to Canada in the early 70s and since then has been involved in community struggles for social justice. After being encouraged by his daughter to join ACORN, Bader has become a committed member on several campaigns. These include affordable and livable housing, fair banking and he was an essential part of the push for a mobile COVID19 testing site in the east end of Ottawa.
Mel Battison
Secretary of the Ottawa-Vanier Chapter
Mel Battison is the Secretary of Ottawa-Vanier ACORN and a dedicated tenant advocate. She joined ACORN after receiving a renoviction notice, feeling scared and unsure of her rights. Through ACORN, she learned the power of organizing and collective action, inspiring her to help others facing eviction. Passionate about tenant protections and housing justice, Mel is committed to fighting for stronger laws and building community power.
