Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, expressed a profound sense of “shame” within the police force as it grapples with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment that have long troubled the community. This marked the first opportunity for the public to interrogate Dagher directly during a special session held at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday evening. The concerns surrounding the police’s conduct, particularly in Montreal North, have been voiced by residents for over a decade, culminating in a significant incident this past June that has further strained relations.
A Troubling Incident Sparks Outrage
In June, Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit in Montreal North following shocking allegations of racial abuse, including claims that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals and retained it as trophies. The incident led to the suspension of two officers, with a third suspended for an unrelated matter. Dagher described the revelations as “shocking” and expressed disappointment at the severity of the officers’ actions, stating, “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.”
Concerns persist that the events in June are merely the latest manifestation of a long-standing mistrust between the police force and the multicultural community of Montreal North. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, articulated the community’s frustration, stating, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
The Importance of Open Dialogue
The meeting was positioned as a vital first step towards addressing the grievances of the community, yet it was acknowledged by all involved that it was a challenging conversation. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, remarked on the necessity of the dialogue, describing it as “open” and “honest.” Dagher himself characterised the atmosphere as “difficult, tough, very emotional.”
The chief acknowledged the complex nature of the relationship between law enforcement and the community, admitting it is hard to pinpoint the roots of the animosity. He did not dismiss the possibility of extremism and white supremacy contributing to the issues. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” Dagher noted, emphasising the need for the police department to reassess its failures.
Collective Responsibility for Change
Attendees of the meeting stressed that the responsibility for improving relations cannot rest solely on the police. Niemi highlighted that “the police can’t do it alone,” advocating for the involvement of city politicians and boroughs in crafting comprehensive solutions to the issues at hand. Notably absent from the meeting was Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, raising questions about the city’s commitment to addressing these critical matters.
Dagher acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in eradicating entrenched practices such as random street checks—prohibited within the force, yet reportedly still occurring. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be long. But we have to stick together,” he said, indicating it could take between seven to ten years for the community to rebuild trust in the police.
As discussions continue, some advocates argue that external oversight may be necessary for genuine reform. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of independent mechanisms like the Bureau d’enquête indépendante (BEI) is a response to such systemic issues.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dialogue surrounding police conduct in Montreal is not merely a local issue; it reflects broader concerns about systemic racism and accountability in law enforcement across Canada. The allegations against the Montreal police force have ignited a crucial conversation about the need for transparency, reform, and a renewed commitment to community engagement. As citizens demand accountability and justice, the actions taken by the police and city officials in the coming years will set a precedent for how similar issues are addressed in other diverse communities across the nation. The stakes are high, not just for the individuals directly affected but for the integrity of policing and public trust in the system as a whole.