Quebec appoints independent observer in alleged racism investigation at Montreal North police station

Montreal’s mayor is asking for a moratorium on random police checks after the police chief revealed 16 officers are under investigation for alleged racist acts.

Quebec’s Security Minister Ian Lafrenière has appointed Anne-Marie Boisvert as the independent observer to oversee the Montreal police investigation into allegations of racism at Station 39 in Montreal North.

“Her mandate will be to verify that the SPVM’s investigations, both criminal and disciplinary, are conducted with integrity and impartiality, and to submit a report to me with her findings and recommendations,” Lafrenière wrote on X.

“If she identifies any irregularity or lack of cooperation from the SPVM, she will have to inform me without delay.”

Lafrenière wrote that he agreed with Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada that the observer should share her findings with the Montreal Public Security Commission.

“Like all Quebecers, I hope that all light will be shed on these events. This is why a public inquiry is not excluded, at the end of the criminal investigation,” he wrote.

The mayor echoed growing calls for an independent investigation.

• READ MORE: Montreal mayor calls for moratorium on random police checks after racism allegations
• READ MORE: Groups call for public inquiry into allegations of racism within Montreal police

The announcement comes as 16 police officers from Station 39 are under investigation for allegedly engaging in repeated discriminatory and racist acts toward people they stopped while on duty.

Two police officers have been suspended, and 14 others have been reassigned or relocated.