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Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, expressed a profound sense of “shame” within the force as it grapples with serious accusations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This candid admission came during a special meeting at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday evening, where Dagher faced public scrutiny for the first time. Residents of Montreal North, a diverse borough long critical of the police, have raised significant concerns regarding the force’s treatment of racialised communities, culminating in a recent scandal involving disturbing allegations against officers.
Community Discontent and High-Profile Allegations
For over a decade, the relationship between the Montreal police and the residents of Montreal North has been fraught with tension. The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher took the unprecedented step of disbanding a 16-member patrol unit in response to allegations of racist behaviour. Reports surfaced that some officers had engaged in abusive conduct, including the shocking act of cutting the hair of racialised individuals and keeping it as trophies. Two officers were suspended as a result, while a third faced disciplinary action for an unrelated incident.
“This is shocking. I am extremely disappointed and humiliated,” Dagher remarked in an interview with Global News. He acknowledged the existence of racial profiling and discrimination within the police force, expressing surprise at the severity of the actions taken by the officers involved. “Honestly, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026,” he stated.
Acknowledging the Need for Change
Despite Dagher’s candid reflections, many community leaders and activists are sceptical about the potential for meaningful change. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, articulated a sentiment echoed by many: “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The meeting marked a critical first step towards addressing these issues, albeit one fraught with difficulty. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the discussions as “very difficult but necessary,” noting the importance of open and honest dialogue.
Dagher himself characterised the meeting as “tough, very emotional,” highlighting the complexity of the issues at hand. As he reflected on the growing animosity between the police and the community, he did not shy away from acknowledging the potential influences of extremism and white supremacy. “We are the mirror of society,” he stated, emphasising the need for introspection within the police force.
A Call for Collective Efforts
Those who attended the meeting underscored that the responsibility for change should not rest solely on the police. Niemi stressed that collaboration with city politicians and boroughs is essential in addressing these deep-rooted concerns. “The police can’t do it alone,” he asserted, advocating for a collective approach to finding solutions.
Interestingly, Montreal’s Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada did not attend the critical meeting, raising questions about the city’s commitment to the issue. Dagher acknowledged the long road ahead in rebuilding trust, suggesting that it may take between seven to ten years for the community to regain confidence in the police force. He also noted that entrenched practices, such as random street checks—which are prohibited—remain a challenge to eliminate.
Some believe that external institutions may need to intervene to ensure accountability. “One of the reasons we have an independent body, the BEI, is because of these kinds of issues,” remarked Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, referencing the Bureau d’Enquête Indépendant, which investigates police conduct. An internal investigation is currently underway, and Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation in Montreal highlights a critical juncture for the relationship between law enforcement and the city’s multicultural communities. As the police confront allegations that strike at the heart of public trust, the demand for accountability and systemic change grows louder. The challenges faced by the Montreal police are not unique; they reflect broader societal issues of racism and discrimination that need urgent attention. The outcome of this situation will not only affect the future of policing in Montreal but may also set a precedent for how communities across Canada address similar issues. The path to reconciliation and reform is complex, but it is a necessary journey for the sake of justice and equity in society.