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Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada participates in a press conference with Quebec Premier François Legault, not pictured, in Montreal's City Hall, on Friday, November 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
By The Canadian Press

Montreal to provide police with body cameras and new powers

Aug 21, 2026 | 6:52 AM

MONTREAL — Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada says police in the city will soon be equipped with body cameras as well as new powers to do their job.

The mayor says the city plans to adopt a rule banning insults toward city employees, including police.

If adopted, the bylaw would give police new powers to issue fines for someone who insults them or another municipal employee.

Martinez Ferrada made the announcement alongside the city’s police chief and the head of the police brotherhood.

The news comes a few months after a scandal erupted at a police station in a multicultural neighbourhood where police dismantled a 16-member patrol unit following allegations of criminal behaviour and misconduct.

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Martinez Ferrada says the goal of the bylaw is not to prevent criticism but to protect city employees from abuse.

Jim Beis, responsible for public security at the city’s executive committee, says the city will also review police stop practices.

Martinez Ferrada’s administration earmarked $40 million for police cameras in its first budget.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2026.

Erika Morris, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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