By Murray Sherriffs
A protest against police racism organized by Le Collectif Opposé à la Brutalité Policière saw hundreds gather outside police Station 39 on Henri Bourassa in Montreal North. It aimed to focus the light on the suspension of two officers and reassignment of several others over allegations of misconduct, with one banner expressing the emotions of many: “Police raciste, système complice!”
Premier Fréchette says there is no systemic racism in Quebec.
Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher expects more allegations to surface.
The CAQ’s Minister Responsible for the Fight against Racism, Christopher Skeete, say that systemic racism should not be used to describe what has happened at Station 39, because the word “moves us away from the ideal we all share; to fight racism” and “…is an intellectual debate that’s best left to universities.”
The Ligue des droits et libertés and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association are pushing for an independent investigation into the allegations.
Montreal Mayor Martinez Ferrada wants an independent investigation into the allegations of racist conduct by some in the Montreal police department but does not say who would best lead the process.
The Regroupement des Intervenants et Intervenantes d’origine Haïtienne wants to meet with the head of the Montreal police, to present recommendations “aimed at restoring trust.”