Quebec Allocates $31 Million to Enhance Courthouse Security Following Recent Violent Incidents

June 3, 2024 TruthUSA

The Quebec government is allocating $31 million to enhance security measures and increase the number of special constables in the province’s courthouses following recent violent incidents that have raised safety concerns.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and Public Security Minister François Bonnardel made the announcement on June 3 in Longueuil, where an interpreter was seriously injured in a courthouse knife attack earlier this year.

As part of the funding unveiled on June 3, walk-through metal detectors will be installed at nine courthouses by fall 2025, including locations in Longueuil, Laval, and Quebec City.

The majority of the funding—$23.4 million—will be used for training and hiring additional special constables, who are responsible for maintaining security in courthouses.

Various groups representing workers in Quebec’s justice system have been urging the government to improve security at courts following the January 9 knife attack in Longueuil and a more recent alleged assault on a youth protection worker at a courthouse in Sherbrooke.

Until earlier this year, only certain courthouses in the Montreal area had implemented airport-style security measures with metal detectors and X-ray equipment.