In a significant dialogue at Montreal City Hall, Police Chief Fady Dagher expressed a profound sense of “shame” within the police force as it confronts serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This marked the first opportunity for the public to engage directly with Dagher following troubling incidents that have strained relations between the police and the multicultural community of Montreal North.
A Community’s Long-standing Struggle
For over a decade, residents of Montreal North have voiced concerns regarding the conduct of local law enforcement. Tensions escalated in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following shocking claims of racist and abusive behaviour by certain officers. These allegations included reports of officers cutting the hair of racialised individuals and keeping it as trophies. In response, two officers were suspended, with a third facing similar disciplinary action for an unrelated incident.
Reflecting on the situation, Dagher stated, “That, for me, was shocking. Extremely disappointed, humiliating. I always say that I recognise that racial profiling and discrimination exist. What surprised me is the gravity of the behaviour of those two police officers in the case. And that, to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.”
A Difficult but Necessary Dialogue
The meeting, while seen as a crucial step forward, proved to be a challenging one for all involved. Erika Alneus, leader of the official opposition at city hall, emphasised the community’s exhaustion, saying, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, remarked that the conversation was “very difficult but necessary,” highlighting the need for open and honest discussions on these pressing issues.
Dagher acknowledged the complexity underlying the animosity between the police and the community, suggesting that factors such as extremism and white supremacy could be at play. He stated, “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society. This is a very important moment for the police department to rethink where did we miss, what went wrong with those two police officers.”
Collective Responsibility for Change
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of a collective approach to addressing these systemic issues. Niemi pointed out, “The police can’t do it alone,” calling for the involvement of city politicians and boroughs in crafting effective solutions. Notably, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada was absent from the discussion, raising questions about the city’s commitment to addressing these serious concerns.
Dagher also acknowledged that certain detrimental practices, such as random street checks—which are officially prohibited—persist within the force. He emphasised that eradicating these habits would be a long and arduous process, predicting it could take seven to ten years for the community to rebuild trust in the police.
Calls for external oversight have emerged, with Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, reminding attendees of the need for independent institutions to be involved in addressing these issues. An internal investigation is ongoing, and Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The recent revelations about the Montreal police force underscore the urgent need for systemic reform within law enforcement, particularly in relation to racial discrimination and community relations. The dialogue initiated by Chief Dagher, while fraught with difficulty, represents a critical opportunity for healing and transformation. This moment calls for not only local authorities but also the broader community to engage in a shared commitment to confronting and dismantling racism, ultimately fostering a more equitable and just society for all citizens.
