Montreal's Upcoming Plans to Address Racism and Systemic Discrimination

The City of Montreal hosted a council to address systemic racism and discrimination that exists within Montreal society and is upheld in services offered to the public. 

Since June 2020, the City of Montreal formally acknowledged systemic racism exists in Montreal 

So what actions have been taken by the city since then to address systemic racism in Montreal?

The office of the commissioner for the fight against racism has been created, modifications have been made to the Montreal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities in order to re-include recognition of the systemic characteristics of racism and other types of discrimination.

The city has adopted a hiring, promotions and representation target within the framework of the plan for diversity, equity and inclusion for 2021-2023.

In a 2020 pre-budgetary survey hosted by the city of Montreal, 73% of Montrealers called for reducing funding towards SPVM in lieu of the worldwide protests denouncing police brutality and recognizing how systemic racism is prevalent in the police force.

Despite these calls, Mayor Valerie Plante has increased the police budget every year since. This council addressed changes slated to be made within the SPVM to address systemic racism and discrimination.

The council stated that the SPVM will create a Partnerships and Diversity Division including an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion module aimed at mainstreaming issues of equity and the fight against racism and systemic discrimination

Police officers will be trained in social and cultural diversity, as well as be trained in conducting de-escalation tactics. A senior advisor in community development and liaison with Indigenous peoples will be appointed within the SPVM to conduct reconciliation with Indigenous communities. 

So what other services outside of the police force will be addressed to reduce systemic racism and discrimination in Montreal? Watch the full council to find out.