Montreal City Council approved a new bylaw on Thursday, September 22, 2026, that makes it illegal to insult municipal employees. The measure passed with 35 votes in favour and 25 against, marking a decisive vote on the issue of verbal abuse directed at city staff.
The bylaw specifically prohibits any form of insulting language aimed at municipal workers while they are performing their duties. Council members said the legislation is intended to protect employees from verbal harassment and to promote a more respectful environment in public service interactions.
Councilors debated the proposal for more than thirty minutes before moving to a vote. During the discussion, members of the official opposition voiced concerns and voted against the measure, accounting for the 25 opposing votes. Supporters highlighted the need for clear rules to deter abusive behavior toward city personnel.
The final tally of 35 to 25 reflects a majority of council members who backed the initiative. The vote demonstrates the council's willingness to address workplace harassment within municipal services, a topic that has gained attention in recent years.
The bylaw will now move to the next stage of implementation, where municipal departments will be required to enforce the new rules and inform employees of the changes. Details on penalties for violations have not been released yet, but the council indicated that the regulation is designed to serve as a deterrent against future incidents of verbal abuse.