Two Quebec provincial police officers are facing suspensions without pay after the Police Ethics Tribunal found they racially profiled a Black man during a traffic stop. For victim Leslie Blot, this decision is about more than punishing two officers. “It’s all about freedom,” said Blot. “Racial profiling is something that should not exist and we’re going to fight for a change.” In December 2020, two Sûreté du Québec (SQ) officers pulled Blot over as he was driving home. Fearing for his safety, he recorded much of the interaction. One officer called him a “drama queen” and the “national victim of the century” after he accused them of racial profiling. Blot’s backpack was also searched for suspected drugs. The tribunal found Blot’s race and luxury vehicle, a Cadillac, factored into how he was treated. It also ruled that the search was abusive. Broader problem Fo Niemi, executive director of the civil rights group Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) says this case reflects a broader problem. “It can affect everyone who is considered to be Black or brown,” said Niemi. The tribunal sanctioned both officers, who, at the time, worked in the SQ’s organized crime division. Sgt. Simon Deveault-Bonenfant received a total suspension of 35 working days without pay. Officer François Bleau-Goulet received 20 working days without pay. Both must also complete 19 hours of racial profiling training. “That, hopefully, can maybe change their understanding of racial profiling and change perceptions about Black drivers,” said Niemi. He said that it may be just a drop in the bucket but that each case adds up. He also encouraged those who have had to wait long times for justice. “The system can take a long time, but people should not be discouraged by long delays,” said Niemi. “Only filing complaints can bring about change.” Pattern of profiling This isn’t Blot’s first experience with racial profiling. In 2017, he was handcuffed and ticketed while blowing up balloons for his children in a parked car. In that case, Quebec’s Human Rights Commission ruled in his favour. Blot says it’s a pattern he’s experienced since he was a teenager. “They pull me over like two times a month,” he said. Today, he says he’s also fighting for those whose stories have gone unheard. “A lot of people tried to talk many years ago, [but] nobody was there to listen to them, nobody was there to believe them,” he said. “What drives me, what motivates me to do this, it’s my kids. It’s my responsibility — our responsibility — to do what we have to do now, so they can live with freedom in the future.” The provincial police officers’ association of Quebec, the APPQ, declined to comment.
