Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has openly addressed a deep-seated sentiment of “shame” within the force in light of recent serious allegations involving racism, discrimination, and harassment. This frank admission came during a special meeting at City Hall on Tuesday evening, where members of the public had the opportunity to confront Dagher about ongoing concerns regarding the police’s relationship with the community, particularly in Montreal North.
A Community’s Frustration
For more than a decade, residents of Montreal North have raised alarms about the conduct of the police force, citing systemic racism and discriminatory practices. Tensions escalated dramatically in June 2023 when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit after officers were accused of racist behaviour, including the shocking claim that they cut the hair of racialised individuals and kept it as souvenirs. In response to these allegations, two officers were suspended, while a third faced disciplinary action for an unrelated incident.
Dagher expressed his profound disappointment at the revelations, stating, “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.”
The Call for Action
The meeting served as a crucial platform for open dialogue, albeit a challenging one. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the discussions as “very difficult but necessary.” He remarked that while the meeting was constructive, it highlighted the significant emotional toll these issues have taken on the community. Dagher himself echoed these sentiments, labelling the conversation as “difficult, tough, very emotional.”
Community leaders like Erika Alneus, head of the official opposition at city hall, articulated a growing frustration among residents: “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” This pervasive discontent reflects a broader mistrust that has developed over the years between law enforcement and the multicultural population of Montreal North.
Looking Towards Change
In his remarks, Dagher acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand, suggesting that factors such as extremism and white supremacy could be influencing the negative perceptions of the police. He emphasised the need for introspection within the police department, stating, “This is a very important moment for the police department to rethink where did we miss, what went wrong with those two police officers.”
Furthermore, Dagher highlighted that the responsibility for addressing these issues cannot rest solely on the police. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi asserted, underscoring the necessity for collaboration among city politicians and boroughs to initiate meaningful change.
Although Dagher did not reveal his plans for immediate reforms, he admitted that eliminating problematic practices like random street checks—currently prohibited but still reportedly carried out by some officers—will require time and perseverance. He noted that restoring community trust could take as long as seven to ten years.
The Role of External Oversight
Calls for external oversight have intensified, with experts highlighting the importance of independent bodies to investigate allegations of police misconduct. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, like the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), was a direct response to these types of crises.
Currently, an internal investigation is ongoing, with Dagher confirming that two cases involving three officers have been referred to Quebec’s prosecution service for further action.
Why it Matters
The recent discussions surrounding the Montreal police force underscore a critical juncture in the relationship between law enforcement and marginalized communities. As allegations of racism and discrimination surface, they highlight systemic issues that require urgent attention. The path towards rebuilding trust and fostering a more inclusive environment is fraught with challenges, yet the commitment to open dialogue and accountability is an essential first step. Acknowledging past failures is vital not just for the police force, but for the entire city, as it strives to create a safer and more equitable society for all its residents.
