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Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has publicly acknowledged a troubling sense of “shame” within the police force as it grapples with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This admission came during a special meeting at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday evening, where Dagher faced questions from the public for the first time since the allegations surfaced. Tensions have long simmered in Montreal North, where residents have voiced concerns about police conduct for over a decade, culminating in a series of incidents that have shaken community trust.
A Turning Point for Community Relations
The situation escalated in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit in Montreal North following allegations of racist behaviour from some officers. Disturbing reports surfaced, including claims that officers had cut the hair of racialized citizens, treating it as trophies. In response to these allegations, two officers were suspended, while a third faced suspension for an unrelated matter.
Dagher expressed his profound disappointment in the situation. “That, for me, was shocking. Extremely disappointing, humiliating,” he told Global News. He acknowledged the prevalence of racial profiling and discrimination but was taken aback by the severity of the actions of the two officers involved. “To be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026,” he added.
Community Voices Demand Change
The recent events have amplified longstanding frustrations within the multicultural community of Montreal North. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, articulated the community’s exhaustion with the status quo, stating, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
While the meeting was viewed as a crucial first step, participants recognised that it was a challenging conversation. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described it as “a very difficult but necessary conversation,” emphasising the need for openness and honesty in addressing these issues.
The Path Forward: A Call for Collective Action
Dagher noted the complexities underlying the tension between police and the community, suggesting that factors such as extremism and white supremacy might be at play. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he remarked, signalling a need for introspection within the police department. He stressed the importance of understanding where the system failed and how such behaviours could be prevented in the future.
Participants at the meeting also highlighted the necessity for a collective approach to resolving these issues. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi urged, calling on city politicians and boroughs to collaborate on solutions. Notably, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada was absent from the meeting, raising questions about the city’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised.
Dagher acknowledged that changing entrenched habits, such as the use of random street checks—which are officially prohibited—would be a long and arduous process. He anticipates that rebuilding trust within the community could take between seven to ten years.
The Role of External Oversight
Some advocates argue that external oversight may be necessary to address these systemic issues. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of an independent oversight body, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), was largely motivated by similar concerns. An internal investigation into the recent allegations is still ongoing, and Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding the Montreal police force underscore a critical moment in the ongoing struggle against institutional racism and discrimination in Canada. As communities demand accountability and transparency, the actions taken by both the police department and city officials will determine the future of trust between law enforcement and the diverse populations they serve. The need for systemic change is urgent, and the conversations initiated at this meeting may serve as a pivotal step towards fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
