Montreal city council to vote on bylaw targeting insults toward police

Montreal city council is set to vote this week on a proposed bylaw that would let the city fine people for insulting, harassing, threatening or verbally abusing police officers and other municipal workers. The draft measure, introduced by Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada's administration, would set fines between $350 and $1,000, with higher penalties for repeat offences. City officials say the proposal responds to a rise in aggressive behaviour and reported incidents involving municipal staff over recent years. The plan has drawn strong criticism from civil liberties groups and legal experts, who argue it could limit free expression and worsen tensions between police and the public. They say existing legal tools already allow police to respond to threats or interference, and they are urging the city to hold further consultations before moving ahead.