Quebec premier declines to use term systemic racism amid Montreal-Nord police probe
Quebec systemic racism probe over alleged police conduct in Montréal-Nord See how Fréchette’s remarks reignite debate on profiling, trust, and reform
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette declined on Monday to say that systemic racism exists in the province while discussing an investigation into alleged racist conduct by 16 police officers in MontréalNord.
The probe centers on Station 39 in Montreal, where officers are accused of discriminatory behaviour toward Black and Arab residents, including racial profiling and keeping cut locs as trophies. Montreal police chief Fady Dagher said he expects more allegations to emerge.
Fréchette said racist behaviour is unacceptable, but argued the case involves a small group rather than a larger system. Her comments echo those of former premier François Legault, who also rejected the term systemic racism. The issue remains a point of debate in Quebec, with Montreal’s mayor and several advocacy groups saying the province must acknowledge systemic problems to address them.