Quebec bar to hold summit ahead of election on erosion of trust in institutions

The issue of public trust has received renewed attention in recent days after Montreal police leadership dismantled a night patrol unit in the borough of Montréal-Nord, reassigned 14 officers, and suspended two others over allegations of discriminatory and racist behaviour toward citizens.

Samantha Velandia, a spokesperson for Montreal’s police, says the force recognizes that the allegations may have shaken the public’s trust in the police. ”We know that trust cannot be restored with a single action. It must be rebuilt and maintained,” she said in a statement.

The bar commissioned an online Léger poll between May 22-24 among 1,002 Quebecers, which found that 43 per cent said their trust in public institutions has declined in recent years. It also found that 45 per cent of respondents do not trust the Quebec government and 67 per cent expressed distrust toward political parties.

“The data require us to stop and pay attention,” Nadeau said in a statement. “When confidence in institutions erodes, the very balance of our democracy is at stake.”

The Quebec bar association declined to comment on Wednesday about the recent allegations of racist behaviour within the Montreal police.

Nadeau said he hopes participants at the summit will help draft a declaration on the rule of law and help create an index that would measure the health of the rule of law in Quebec and compare it with other jurisdictions.

“The rule of law and institutions are fragile,” he said. ”Every action can quickly lead to setbacks.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2026.

Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Quebec bar to hold summit ahead of election on erosion of trust in institutions

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