In a significant and candid discussion at Montreal City Hall, Police Chief Fady Dagher expressed a deep sense of “shame” within the police force as it faces serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This meeting, held on Tuesday evening, marked the first opportunity for the public to directly question Dagher about concerns that have long haunted the city’s police relations with its multicultural community, particularly in Montreal North.
Long-standing Tensions Erupt
For over a decade, residents of Montreal North have voiced their dissatisfaction with the police regarding issues of racial discrimination. The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following shocking allegations of racist behaviour by some officers. Reports surfaced claiming that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals, keeping it as trophies. In response, two officers were suspended, while a third faced suspension for an unrelated matter.
“This was shocking for me. I felt extremely disappointed and humiliated,” Dagher remarked in an interview. He acknowledged the prevalence of racial profiling and discrimination but expressed surprise at the severity of the actions taken by the officers involved. “Honestly, I did not expect to see this in 2026,” he added, highlighting the urgency for reform.
Community Voices Demand Action
The sentiments shared at the meeting reflected a broader frustration within the community. “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired,” stated Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall. The gathering was deemed crucial yet challenging, with participants recognising the need for an honest dialogue about the issues at hand.
“It was a very difficult but necessary conversation,” said Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race. Dagher echoed this sentiment, describing the discussions as “tough and emotional,” indicating that the path to rebuilding trust between the police and the community would require significant effort.
A Call for Broader Solutions
Dagher admitted that understanding the animosity between the police and the community is complex and suggested that factors such as extremism and white supremacy could play a role. “We are a reflection of society,” he noted, prompting a reflection on how the police can better serve the community.
Participants at the meeting emphasised that this is a city-wide issue that requires collective action. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi asserted, advocating for collaboration between police, city officials, and local boroughs to develop effective solutions. Notably, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada did not attend the meeting, raising questions about the political will to address these systemic issues.
The Road Ahead
Addressing ingrained practices such as random street checks—despite being prohibited—will take time and commitment, Dagher admitted. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to take a long time. But we have to stick together,” he explained, forecasting a potential seven to ten-year timeline for restoring community trust.
Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, suggested that independent institutions might need to intervene. “The existence of a body like the BEI is a direct response to these kinds of issues,” she said, reinforcing the need for oversight and accountability.
As the internal investigation continues, Dagher confirmed that two files involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service, signalling a serious approach towards accountability.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding the Montreal police force reflect a critical juncture for law enforcement in Canada. The allegations of racism and discrimination not only tarnish the reputation of the police but also damage the fragile trust within the community. As the city grapples with these issues, it becomes imperative to foster meaningful dialogue and implement systemic reforms. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how police forces across the country address similar concerns, potentially influencing a broader movement towards justice and equity in law enforcement practices.
