CCLA COMPLAINS ABOUT ALLEGED AGENTS PROVACATEURS

CCLA recently filed formal complaints against both the RCMP and the Sûreté du Québec in order to get to the bottom of allegations that undercover officers had tried to provoke violence between protesters and police at meetings of the Security and Prosperity Partnership in Montebello, Quebec. This issue received extensive media attention because video footage appeared to show three officers in compromised positions. The video triggered allegations that police assaulted at least one protester, attempted to incite violence, and tried to curtail peaceful protests.

CCLA also wrote to the Minister of Public Safety in order to get further information about what, if any, role may have been played by his Ministry in determining the parameters of police conduct in Montebello. This letter recommended the creation of a permanent independent audit mechanism to enhance the present system of police accountability. CCLA is awaiting the responses to both of the police complaints as well as the correspondence to the Minister.