Quebec government to arm roadside traffic inspectors

Advertisement

Advertise with us

QUÉBEC - The Quebec government has decided to equip the province's roadside inspectors with firearms. 

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$1 per week for 24 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

QUÉBEC – The Quebec government has decided to equip the province’s roadside inspectors with firearms. 

The inspectors have complained for years about unsafe work conditions that could include violent confrontations with drivers after stopping vehicles.

Quebec’s labour tribunal found in March that the equipment provided to inspectors offered insufficient protection during traffic stops. 

Quebec Transport Minister Jonatan Julien speaks at the legislature in Quebec City, Wednesday, June 12, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Quebec Transport Minister Jonatan Julien speaks at the legislature in Quebec City, Wednesday, June 12, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

The tribunal suspended unscheduled inspections by the agents due to the dangerous conditions, which prevented them from carrying out normal patrol activities.

Quebec has 300 roadside inspectors, who will have to undergo specialized training before they can carry the firearms.

The government also evaluated the option of using stun guns. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2025. 

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD MORE