The Bureau of the Montreal Inspector General (BIG) announced that a recent investigation has uncovered extensive use of illegal subcontractors and undocumented workers within the city’s waste‑collection industry. The probe, conducted in September 2026, revealed that a number of garbage‑collection firms have been hiring personnel without the required legal authorizations, exposing both the workers and the public to heightened safety concerns.
The investigation focused on the practice of outsourcing collection duties to subcontractors who, according to the findings, operate outside the regulatory framework governing employment standards. These unauthorized entities were found to employ individuals who lack proper work permits, social security coverage, and occupational safety training. As a result, workers are left without the protections afforded to legally recognized employees, and the city’s waste‑management system faces increased risk of accidents and service disruptions.
City officials have noted that reliance on subcontracted labor has long been a feature of Montreal’s garbage‑collection model, allowing primary contractors to reduce costs by delegating tasks to smaller firms. However, the lack of oversight has permitted the proliferation of illegal hiring, prompting BIG to launch a formal inquiry. The bureau’s mandate includes ensuring compliance with provincial labor laws and safeguarding public health and safety.
In response to the findings, BIG indicated that it will pursue enforcement actions against the identified subcontractors and work with municipal authorities to tighten procurement processes. The goal is to eliminate the use of undocumented labor and to ensure that all workers in the sector receive appropriate legal protections and safety training. The investigation underscores the need for stricter monitoring of subcontractor relationships within essential city services.
The outcome of the probe is expected to influence future contracts for waste‑collection services, with an emphasis on transparency, compliance with labor regulations, and the protection of workers’ rights across Montreal.