Security enhanced at Montreal-area courthouses after court interpreter stabbed in Longueuil
Security has been beefed up at courthouses around the Montreal area following the stabbing of a court interpreter at the Longueuil courthouse last week.
From now on, everyone entering the Longueuil courthouse must submit to a full search, including the use of a metal detector.
"It's been a while since we talked about putting these measures into the courthouse, especially in Longueuil. The measure already exists in Montreal so we don't know why we didn't have it here," said defence lawyer François Lahaie.
"It's the same as Montreal, it's a courthouse like any courthouse."
The Laval courthouse is not yet using metal detectors, but special constables, who are responsible for the building’s security, now visually check everyone coming in and randomly search people's bags.
In Montreal, security screening and metal detectors have been in place for the last nine years at the courthouse, the Youth tribunal and the Quebec Court of Appeal. The special constables say the measure allows them to seize thousands of potentially dangerous sharp objects.
"A courthouse is a place where emotions run high," said defence lawyer Gracinda Fernandez. "Some people have mental health issues and it creates risks."
- Listen on CJAD 800: Do we need better security in Quebec courthouses?
Courthouse staff who worked with last week's stabbing victim say the added security couldn't come fast enough, but the union representing special constables said they've been warning about the necessity of additional security for years.
Special constables say it's time to standardize security across the province.
"It's very important to install this kind of protection like Longueuil today," said special constable union president Frack Parales, adding that he expects things to move much faster, now that lawyers, judges, and civilian staff are pushing for it.
Parales said he already has a meeting planned with Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel on Thursday.
However, in a statement to the media, the minister was non-committal about broadening security measures.
"Analysis work is already underway to plan the addition of security arches in certain courthouses," read the brief statement.
Yet users of the courthouses say the time for studies is over and they want action to keep everyone safe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Mookie Betts leads Dodgers past Blue Jays 4-2; Toronto drops fifth consecutive game
Mookie Betts went 3 for 5, including a triple and an RBI single, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Saturday.