GoKawiilMontreal council passes bylaw fining residents who insult city staff or police
Montreal city council voted 35-25 to adopt a bylaw banning insults, harassment, threats and aggressive behaviour toward police officers and other municipal employees. First offences carry fines of $300 to $1,000, rising to as much as $2,000 for repeat violations, and city staff would be allowed to refuse service to offenders. Officials have not set a date for implementation, and the bylaw does not define what counts as an insult.
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Civil rights groups and lawyers cited in the report warn the vague wording could run afoul of constitutional free-speech protections, since similar bylaws in other Quebec cities have reportedly led to thousands of fines. The opposition's objection that the rule was rushed through without consultation suggests enforcement details and legal challenges could shape how broadly it is applied once implemented.
- Montreal council approved the bylaw 35-25 despite opposition claims it was rushed and undefined.
- Fines range from $300-$1,000 for a first offence up to $2,000 for repeat offences.
- The bylaw lacks a clear definition of 'insult,' raising free-expression concerns among lawyers and civil rights advocates.
Source: cbc.ca, 2026-09-23
Published there as: “Montreal adopts bylaw banning insults against police, municipal employees”
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