Black people at the City of Montreal "forced" to cancel their Gala
Jean Numa Goudou ·
"The new provisions established by the employer since April 2025, which govern our activities, prevent us from covering certain aspects essential to organizing the gala."
While the Black and Afro-descendant Employees Group (RENA) of SPVM has just raised the Pan-African flag in front of police headquarters for Black History Month, they are canceling their Gala scheduled for February 27 "due to constraints beyond" their control.
Since 2021, RENA has concluded these celebrations that internally recognize the valuable contribution of Black employees who distinguish themselves and enrich the organization.
In an email sent to guests, which In Texto obtained a copy of, the organization explains that "the new provisions established by the employer since April 2025, which govern our activities, prevent us from covering certain aspects essential to organizing the gala."
According to our information, the municipal administration would have prohibited RENA from even obtaining external help to do so. The Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), and others were ready to contribute to organizing the event.
Let's Raise Our Voices
This is nevertheless the theme of the 35th edition for the City of Montreal this year. "And God only knows how important it is to raise our voices, especially with what's happening down south.
It's especially at this moment that we must not remain silent, on the contrary at the SPVM level, we raise our voices," declared SPVM Chief Fady Dagher, following the raising of the Pan-African flag, during a ceremony that followed.
He also spoke of "certain issues" that threaten the cause in 2026.
"We still have a long way to go, he said, I still sometimes hear unacceptable comments. This hurts the Black community, hurts the uniform" - Fady Dagher.
Still Racism
The president of the Police Union, Yves Francoeur, says he is "surprised" to learn that in 2026 there are so many micro-aggressions within the police organization.
"I was surprised when I was made aware of certain situations related to racism and discrimination. We are in 2026," declares Mr. Francoeur.
He specifies that these "situations" are not related to advancement or promotions. The union president had met, for the first time, with RENA in December 2025.
"People explained to me, on a daily basis, certain difficulties experienced by our employees, our Black police officers," denounces Yves Francoeur who promises to support field committees in finding solutions.
SPVM has more than 4,600 police officers. In 2025, SPVM hired 263 people, including 37% women and 30% from visible minorities.