Repentigny, April 8, 2025 – Lakay acknowledges the decision rendered by the Quebec Court of Appeal, which upholds the declaration that the section of the Highway Safety Code allowing random roadside checks without reasonable cause is inoperative. Lakay also welcomes the recent announcement by Quebec's public safety directorate regarding the suspension of most of these checks.
This decision represents a significant step forward for Black communities in Quebec, who have for years denounced the abuses and harmful effects of racial profiling on their daily lives. It constitutes a victory for human rights, dignity, and equality before the law.
The Court of Appeal's explicit recognition that random police stops have a disproportionately negative impact on the Black community confirms a lived and documented reality that has long been ignored. In his initial 2022 decision, Justice Michel Yergeau stated unequivocally: «Racial profiling does indeed exist. It is not an abstraction. It is a reality that weighs heavily on Black communities.»
The Court of Appeal's decision, issued on April 1, 2025, reinforces this position, emphasizing that the alleged benefits of random traffic stops do not justify violations of the fundamental rights of racialized minorities. In this regard, Lakay commends the courage of Mr. Joseph-Christopher Luamba, a 22-year-old Black man, whose perseverance and testimony made this major step forward possible.
However, Lakay urges vigilance. While this suspension is a step in the right direction, it does not automatically eliminate systemic racial profiling. Discretionary powers remain in certain situations, particularly during targeted operations or drunk driving checks. It is therefore essential that advocacy groups, citizens, and oversight institutions remain attentive to the implementation of this new policy.
We call on the authorities to guarantee absolute transparency, including by making police forces' compliance plans public, as also demanded by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA). The lack of response from the relevant ministries on this matter is concerning.
Lakay will continue to follow this case closely, alongside its community partners, so that this historic judicial decision is not just symbolic, but marks a real turning point in police practices in Quebec.
We reaffirm our commitment to fighting all forms of discrimination and defending the rights of members of Black and cultural communities in Lanaudière and beyond.