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Quebec Superior Court authorizes class-action over traffic stops without reason

In April 2025, a judge from Quebec’s Superior Court approved the initiation of a class action lawsuit representing racialized drivers who were stopped by police without valid cause in multiple cities, including Montreal and Gatineau.
This lawsuit followed a landmark October 2022 decision by Justice Michel Yergeau, who ruled that a common law rule permitting arbitrary police stops violated constitutional rights and enabled racial profiling.
The case challenges Section 636 of Quebec's Highway Safety Code, which gives police discretionary power to stop vehicles without cause, a practice suspended last month after appellate courts upheld Yergeau's ruling.
Justice Catherine Pich characterized the class action request as serious and well-founded, while Yergeau noted that police roadside stopping powers have frequently been misused as a channel to disproportionately target Black individuals through racial profiling.
The suspension of random traffic stops and ongoing appeals, including an upcoming Supreme Court hearing, underscore significant legal and social implications concerning police powers and racial discrimination in Quebec.

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National Post

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Quebec judge approves class action over systemic racial profiling in traffic stops

A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class action suit brought on behalf of racialized people who were stopped while behind the wheel by police without reason to suspect an offence.

1 day ago·Canada

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CBC News

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Class action authorized against 9 police forces over random stops of racialized people

A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class-action suit brought on behalf of racialized people who were stopped by police while behind the wheel without reason to suspect an offence.

1 day ago·Canada

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The Canadian Press

Center

Quebec Superior Court authorizes class action over traffic stops without reason

1 day ago

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La Presse

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The Superior Court authorizes collective action on racial profiling

A judge of the Superior Court of Quebec authorized a class action brought on behalf of racialized persons intercepted by the police without suspicion of an offence.

2 days ago·Montreal, Canada

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Global News

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Quebec Superior Court authorizes class-action over traffic stops without reason - Montreal

A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class action suit brought on behalf of racialized motorists who were stopped by police without reason to suspect an offence.

2 days ago·Toronto, Canada

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