Discriminatory practices and abuse of Indigenous people by officers of the Sûreté du Québec in the Vallée-de-l’Or RMC
Overview of the Class Action
The purpose of this class action is to condemn the discriminatory practices and abuses commited against Indigenous people committed by certain officers of the Sûreté du Québec (the “SQ”) working in the Vallée-de-l’Or RMC (i.e. Val d’Or and its surrounding areas). This class action also aims to obtain compensation for the individuals who were victims of these acts.
The plaintiff, the Val d’Or Native Friendship Centre (the “Centre”), believes that the Government of Québec is obliged to compensate individuals for the harm caused by these actions, as they were committed by SQ officers in the context of their employment. The Centre also believes that the government must answer for the fact that the SQ was aware of these practices, but failed to put a stop to them. Finally, the Centre believes that these practices constitute violations of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Canadian Charter”) and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (the “Québec Charter”) for which the government must be held accountable.
Latest Developments
The hearing on authorization of the class action has been set for March 26, 2025. At this stage, the Court must decide whether the Centre should be authorized to introduce the class action on behalf of class members.
Criteria for Membership in this Class Action
You could be part of this class action if you meet the following definition:
“All Indigenous people who allege to have been victims of discriminatory practices by one or more officers of the Sûreté du Québec on the territory of the RMC of Vallée-de-l’Or. Discriminatory practices include the following acts :
– Sexual assault;
– Physical assault;
– Abduction;
– Solicitation of sexual favours;
– Excessive force in the context of an arrest;
– Harassment”.
* Please note that there is no time limit to the class action: you could be part of the class action even if the events that concern you happened a long time ago.
Questions and Support
Do not hesitate to contact us if you think you are part of this class action. All communication with our office is confidential and protected by professional secrecy.
In addition, the Val d’Or Native Friendship Centre offers accompaniment and support to all individuals who think they may be members of this class action, as well as to their loved ones. Here is the Centre’s contact information:
1272, 7e Rue
Val-d’Or (Québec) J9P 6W6
TÉL : 819 825-6857 FAX : 819 825-7515
[email protected]
If you wish to learn more about what a class action is, you can also consult our page What is a class action?