Montreal City Council approved a new bylaw on September 21, 2026 that criminalizes the act of insulting police officers or municipal employees while they are performing their duties. The measure, passed by a majority of council members, adds a specific provision to the city’s municipal code that defines verbal abuse directed at public servants as a punishable offense.
The bylaw outlines that any individual who publicly or privately makes derogatory, threatening, or demeaning remarks toward a police officer or a city employee can be subject to legal action. Penalties may include fines, though the exact amounts were not disclosed in the council’s vote. The regulation applies across the entire jurisdiction of Montreal and is intended to cover interactions that occur in public spaces, on social media, or in any setting where city workers are present.
Councilors presented the regulation as a response to growing concerns about the treatment of public servants. They indicated that the city seeks to ensure a respectful environment for those tasked with maintaining safety and delivering municipal services. The bylaw does not address physical assaults, which remain covered under existing criminal statutes, but specifically targets spoken or written insults.
Law enforcement agencies and municipal departments were briefed on the new rule and will be responsible for its enforcement. Officials noted that the bylaw will be incorporated into training programs for officers and staff to ensure consistent application. The city also plans to inform residents of the change through public notices and online resources.
Critics of the measure have raised questions about potential impacts on freedom of expression, but council members emphasized that the bylaw is limited to conduct that constitutes harassment or intimidation. The bylaw now moves to the next procedural step for formal adoption, after which it will be published in the municipal register and become enforceable under Montreal’s legal framework.