Montreal police and a city spokesperson announced on Tuesday that the anti‑racism rally planned for July 8 in Montréal‑Nord will be postponed. The decision follows the scheduling of a civic funeral for a police officer who was killed on June 22, with the ceremony set for the day before the rally.
The gathering had been organized to protest alleged racism within the police force. Organizers and community groups intended the assembly to draw attention to systemic issues and to demand reforms.
Police officials explained that holding the rally on the same day as the funeral could interfere with the ceremony and with the families of the fallen officer. They requested a delay to allow the funeral to proceed without additional public activity.
City representatives indicated they will work with the rally organizers to set a new date. No specific timeline was provided, but officials said discussions are ongoing.
The postponement reflects the city's effort to balance respect for the officer's funeral with the community's desire to address police‑related racism concerns. The revised schedule will be announced when arrangements are finalized.
The officer whose death prompted the civic funeral was killed on June 22, an incident that has been under investigation. The funeral, designated as a civic ceremony, is to be held on Tuesday, July 7, the day before the originally planned rally.
By requesting the postponement, police indicated a priority to ensure the funeral proceeds without competing public events. The city spokesperson confirmed that the decision was made in consultation with the families of the fallen officer and with community leaders.