A man who was thrown from public places for refusing to wear a mask has filed 45 lawsuits during the pandemic in hopes of lining his pockets. Rather, he saw his plan backfire.
” Apparently, [Gino] Rouleau thought he found a way to get easy money by abusively invoking a still-unknown medical condition to justify his refusal to wear a then-mandatory face covering,” stresses Judge Henri Richard.
Photo Pierre Paul Poulin
Gino Rouleau was photographed by our photographer yesterday as he left his residence in Varennes.
In several judgments delivered in late March, the judge is unkind to the 38-year-old man from Varennes, who “regards the justice system as an open bar” and “abuses it unabashedly”.
Between 2020 and 2022, his lawsuits targeted the Department of Public Safety, the City of Montreal, pharmacies, grocery stores, car dealerships, banks and other businesses.
“It’s important to note that as a welfare recipient, he doesn’t pay attorney’s fees,” the judge said, although each lawsuit could have cost him more than $200 or at least $9,000.
He films himself every time
In each appeal, Gino Rouleau claimed to have suffered “significant psychological and emotional pain” by visiting multiple public places. He filmed all of his visits to “prove” it.
Screenshots from a video submitted as evidence
He recorded everything on CDs
He then mocked the workers he met, refusing to wear a mask and claiming they had a “medical issue”. He also said he was “allergic” to the disinfectant.
He then sought $15,000, the maximum amount allowable in small claims courts for the “humiliation” he allegedly experienced. He made sure to make it clear each time that he was “open to any mediation suggestions.”
mysterious medical condition
However, the 30-year-old never managed to prove the merits of his lawsuit … because he stubbornly never revealed to the court what he would suffer.
“His actions indicate a selfish, egocentric and narcissistic character. He behaved like a real nuisance instead of showing cooperation and flexibility with the courthouse reception staff and the special constables whose job it was to apply the mandatory health measures,” the judge said.
Screenshots from a video submitted as evidence
Gino Rouleau filmed himself to demonstrate that he had been the victim of discrimination during his visits to the courthouse, as above with a special police officer telling him to put on his mask.
He denounced Gino Rouleau’s scheme, believing that he rather “intended to provoke situations in order to legitimize his legal actions”.
“Rather, it is he who is causing harm to society as a whole by making patently unfounded and frivolous legal claims,” thundered Henri Richard.
Rouleau’s idea will likely cost him dearly (see below, as the judge made several decisions or dismissed his case, forcing him to pay thousands of dollars.
Gino Rouleau, who was met by Le Journal at his home, refused to identify himself, much less comment.
IT WILL COST HIM A BUTTER…
Gino Rouleau must indemnify these sued companies. And others will follow…
- Attorney General of Quebec. $1953
- Super Relay (grocery store) $1395
- Express Market $1003
- City of Montreal $642
- Shoppers Drug Mart $642
- Jean Coutu $325
- Provigo $325
- Fortier car $264
- Public Safety $217
Total since yesterday $6766
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