On September 22, 2026, Montreal City Council adopted a new bylaw that makes it illegal to insult municipal employees. The measure cleared the council with 35 votes in favour and 25 against after a debate that lasted more than half an hour.
The proposal, presented by council members seeking to curb verbal abuse of staff who interact with the public, seeks to protect municipal workers from hostile language while they perform their duties. The bylaw defines an insult as any spoken or written remark that demeans or disparages a municipal employee in the course of their official responsibilities.
Council members from the official opposition voiced concerns about the wording of the legislation and its enforceability, but ultimately voted against the measure. Their opposition argued that existing harassment policies already address abusive conduct and cautioned against potential restrictions on free expression.
Supporters of the bylaw highlighted a rise in reported incidents of citizens directing hostile language toward city staff at service counters, call centres and field operations. They said the new rule provides a clear deterrent and a legal framework for addressing such behaviour, reinforcing the city’s commitment to a respectful working environment.
The council’s deliberation spanned more than thirty minutes, during which members discussed the balance between protecting workers and preserving public discourse. After the vote, the bylaw was scheduled for formal adoption and will be incorporated into the municipal code later this year.
The passage of the bylaw marks a policy shift for Montreal, positioning the city among a growing number of jurisdictions that are formalising protections for front‑line public employees. The council indicated that it will monitor the impact of the rule and consider further measures if needed to ensure a safe and courteous interaction between residents and municipal services.