Quebec’s police ethics commissioner has officially opened an investigation into disturbing allegations of racism and discrimination involving officers stationed in Montréal-Nord, one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. The probe, which began on June 26, 2026, comes after Montreal police confirmed that multiple officers faced disciplinary measures for discriminatory conduct that has shocked the community.
Investigation Launched at Minister’s Request
The ethics commissioner’s office confirmed on July 16, 2026, that the investigation was initiated at the request of Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière. This move followed Montreal police’s announcement that they had taken action against officers accused of engaging in racist behavior toward residents of the multicultural borough.
In a statement provided via email, the commissioner’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the process. The office noted that transparency would come at the appropriate time.
“Public trust requires the commissioner to exercise discretion and to conduct himself with independence, impartiality, and objectivity.”
The commissioner’s office added that if any officers are summoned to appear before the administrative tribunal on police ethics, that information will be disclosed publicly. According to the ethics commissioner’s website, investigations of this nature can result in either the dismissal of complaints or their referral to a prosecutor who will determine whether formal charges are warranted.
Disturbing Allegations Surface in Montréal-Nord
The scandal erupted on June 12, 2026, when Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher announced that 16 officers from the Montréal-Nord station had been removed from patrol duties. Among these officers, two were suspended and placed under criminal investigation for alleged discriminatory behavior that included deeply troubling practices.
Among the most shocking allegations reported was that some officers had been collecting pieces of hair from racialized citizens and keeping them as “trophies.” This revelation sent shockwaves through Montreal’s diverse communities and prompted immediate calls for accountability and systemic reform.
A video update obtained through an access to information request revealed that by June 19, 2026, the situation had evolved further. Chief Dagher disclosed in an internal communication that:
- Three officers were suspended and under criminal investigation
- Three additional officers were reassigned to administrative duties
- Ten officers were transferred to other units within the force
Montreal police have not clarified the discrepancy between the initial announcement of two officers under criminal investigation and the later figure of three. A spokesperson indicated that Chief Dagher would provide a comprehensive update at a public assembly scheduled for August 11, 2026.
Community Groups Demand Thorough Investigation
The Red Coalition, a prominent advocacy organization dedicated to combating racial profiling in Quebec, had already filed its own complaint with the ethics commissioner ten days before Minister Lafrenière made his formal request. The group has long been at the forefront of documenting and challenging discriminatory policing practices in the province.
Alain Babineau, one of the coalition’s directors, learned about the official investigation only when the commissioner’s office contacted him on July 16, 2026, to inform the group that their complaint file had been closed because a broader investigation was already underway. Despite initially being unaware of the probe, Babineau expressed cautious optimism about the development.
“We’re hoping that this time it’ll be thorough, it’ll be systemic, and the tribunal or the police ethics commissioner will see fit to cite those officers that have been found to be in violation. Perhaps it’ll even go beyond the 16 officers.”
Police Force Pledges Full Cooperation
The Montreal Police Service has publicly committed to supporting the investigation. In an official statement, the force confirmed that the ethics commissioner “can count on the full and complete co-operation of the Montreal police service in his investigation.”
Chief Dagher, in his recorded message to officers, urged anyone with knowledge of additional misconduct to come forward. He reminded his colleagues of the department’s core values and responsibilities to the community they serve.
“Let us all remember that respect for human dignity and the psychological well-being of every individual is a fundamental principle of our organization,” Dagher stated in his internal address to officers.
Minister Lafrenière’s spokesperson, Maxime Tardif, indicated that the minister would refrain from further public comment while the investigation proceeds. The ethics probe runs parallel to an internal investigation being conducted by Montreal police themselves, raising questions about whether multiple layers of scrutiny will lead to meaningful accountability for the officers involved.
For residents of Montréal-Nord and Montreal’s broader Latin and immigrant communities, this investigation represents a critical test of Quebec’s commitment to addressing systemic racism within law enforcement institutions.
