Quebec MNA calls on public security minister to instruct police to stop wearing 'Thin Blue Line' patches
Quebec Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault is reviewing the legality of the ‘thin blue line’ patch some Montreal police officers have been spotted wearing on their uniforms, according to a Quebec Solidaire MNA who has urged her to take action.
“They need to intervene and prohibit the use of this symbol,” said the MNA for Laurier Dorion, Andres Fontecilla.
The patch features a black Canadian flag with a blue line running through it.
In an interview with CTV News, Fontecilla said that he received several complaints that the patch was visible on some SPVM uniforms, during demonstrations in Montreal's Jarry Park on Feb. 12.
Police wearing the Thin Blue Line patch were spotted at a demonstration in Montreal on Feb. 12, 2022 (photo: Jenny Cartwright)
Officers were spotted wearing the Thin Blue Line patch at a demonstration in Montreal Feb. 12. all photos: Jenny Cartwright
People had gathered that day to protest for and against the trucker convoy in Ottawa.
In a letter to Genevieve Guilbault on Feb. 14, Fontecilla wrote the patch is problematic, “since the symbolism evoked by it is rightly or wrongly associated with extreme right-wing movements in various countries, particularly since the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.”
Fo Neimi, executive director for the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), told CTV News the symbol raises serious questions.
"The first thing that came to my mind is, basically, is it a political statement? Is it an expression of something that does not seem to have a consensus in our society as to what it means?" he said.
Montreal mayor Valerie Plante expressed similar concerns at a press conference, stating that she wasn't "comfortable at all with showing something like that."
"I think it's the same for a lot of Montrealers," she added. "It's a sign that divides people."
On Thursday, Fontecilla said that he had spoken with Guilbault that morning and was told she had asked ministry staff “to study the question attentively and it’s possible there may be quick action,” he said.
“I’m waiting to hear more but it seems she takes the subject seriously,” he said.
In his letter, Fontecilla, who is also the public security critic for the second opposition, stated that the patch negates the message of neutrality a police uniform is meant to communicate.
That doesn’t help to improve "the already strained relationship of trust between the police force and racialized communities," he wrote.
The Thin Blue Line Canada's website explains the patch is meant to "commemorate fallen law enforcement officers and to show support for law enforcement in general."
However, Fontecilla said, "they are an important and charged symbol, especially among racialized communities.”
And “the crests, according to the current laws, seem to be completely illegal," he explained.
Bill 133, a Quebec law passed in 2017, does prohibit police officers from modifying their uniforms.
It was passed after officers wore camouflage pants, jeans and other non-authorized items while protesting reforms to their pension plans.
CTV News has contacted the SPVM on two occasions to inquire about the ‘thin blue line’ patches, the first time last April, and received the same reply both times.
"A comprehensive review of the Dress and Deportment Procedure, which governs standards for the physical appearance and dress of employees, is currently underway at the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM)," police said in an email. "This exercise includes the possible positioning of the Service with respect to the wearing of any insignia, an issue that is being addressed by our ethics committee."
Fontecilla called on Guilbault to ensure that all police officers in Quebec follow uniform-specific directives.
CTV News has also asked Guilbault to respond to the display of the ‘thin blue line’ patch on some SPVM uniforms but has not yet received a reply.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
Biden administration moving ahead on US$1 billion arms package for Israel, AP sources say
The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than US$1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, two congressional aides said Tuesday.
Maximum payout for LifeLabs class-action drops from $150 estimate to $7.86
Canadian LifeLabs customers who filed an application for a class-action settlement began receiving their payments this week, though at a much lower amount than initially expected.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
About 1,000 wildfires confirmed so far this year: Here's a quick look at the situation in Canada
Nearly 1,000 wildfires have burned across Canada so far this year. Here's an overview of the situation in Canada.
American sought after 'So I raped you' Facebook message detained in France on 2021 warrant
An American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, 'So I raped you,' has been detained in France after a three-year search.