On September 22, 2026, the Montreal City Council voted to adopt a new bylaw that makes it illegal to direct insults at municipal employees. The measure passed with 35 councillors supporting it and 25 opposing, marking a clear majority in favour of the protection of city staff.
The council spent more than half an hour debating the proposal before the vote. Council members discussed the need for the regulation and the potential impact on interactions between residents and municipal workers.
The more than half‑hour debate included arguments from both sides, with supporters emphasizing the need for a safe work environment and opponents warning of potential constraints on public discourse.
The bylaw’s stated aim is to shield municipal employees from verbal abuse while performing their duties. By criminalising insults, the city hopes to create a safer working environment and deter hostile language directed at staff in areas such as public works, administration and service delivery.
The official opposition voted against the measure, expressing concerns about freedom of expression and the practicality of enforcing such a rule. Despite the opposition’s stance, the majority view prevailed, and the bylaw will now move to the next stage of implementation.
If enacted, the regulation will add municipal employees to the list of persons protected from verbal harassment under city law. The council’s decision reflects a growing focus on safeguarding public workers from hostile encounters.
City officials said the measure is part of a broader effort to improve relations between municipal services and the public and to ensure respectful interactions.