Quebec union boss ‘Rambo’ Gauthier granted conditional discharge

MONTREAL — A high-ranking Quebec union boss who was found guilty of intimidating a contractor has been granted a conditional discharge.

READ MORE: Quebec union rep ‘Rambo’ found guilty of intimidation; acquitted of harassment

Bernard (Rambo) Gauthier was sentenced Tuesday at the courthouse in Sept-Iles, Que.

A Quebec court judge convicted Gauthier in December of intimidating construction entrepreneur Frederic Boucher during a work conflict in June 2013.

READ MORE: Quebec union boss ‘Rambo’ Gauthier to appeal intimidation conviction

The judge concluded that Boucher had grounds to fear for his safety after Gauthier paid him a visit.

The sentence will allow Gauthier avoid jail time, but he will have to abide by certain conditions. He will also be able to keep his union position.

READ MORE: Quebec union organizer known as ‘Rambo’ insists he was a peacemaker

Gauthier’s name surfaced during Quebec’s corruption inquiry as the commission heard about threats and extortion on the province’s North Shore.

A spokesperson for the Quebec Federation of Labour’s construction wing said Gauthier is happy with the sentence.