By Canadian Press

Judge in Quebec racial profiling case orders end to random traffic stops

Oct 25, 2022 | 2:29 PM

MONTREAL — A Quebec Superior Court judge has issued a major racial profiling ruling today, invalidating laws that allow police to randomly pull over drivers for traffic stops.

Justice Michel Yergeau ruled today on a constitutional challenge to random stops, writing that racial profiling exists and that it’s a reality that weighs heavily on Black people.

The challenge heard this year was brought by Joseph-Christopher Luamba, a Black Montreal resident who said he had been stopped by police nearly a dozen times without reason.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association intervened on his behalf, arguing that random stops by police violate equality rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Luamba and the civil rights group challenged the power of Canadian police to stop drivers without a reasonable suspicion that an offence had been committed, though they did not challenge structured police traffic stops such as drunk-driving checkpoints.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

14h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

16h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

17h ago

In his ruling, Yergeau says rights protected by the Charter cannot depend on the good will of police, and ethics and justice must go hand in hand.

The judge ruled there would be a six-month delay until the rules allowing random stops are officially invalid.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press