Muhammad Amanullah
Date: October 17, 2026
MONTREAL (The True Post): Hundreds of people took to the streets of Montreal to show solidarity with people experiencing homelessness and raise awareness about the city’s growing housing crisis. The annual La Nuit des sans-abri event highlighted concerns over rising housing costs, alleged police misconduct and what participants described as inadequate government action to address homelessness.
The demonstration came after two Montreal police officers were accused of misconduct in separate incidents reported on Friday morning. One officer was allegedly accused of urinating on a homeless person. Both officers were suspended following the allegations, although no criminal charges had been reported against either officer at the time of the account.
Demonstrators Raise Concerns About Police Conduct
Participants at the event shared personal experiences and called for greater respect and accountability in the treatment of people experiencing homelessness.
A woman identified as Morgana said she had experienced homelessness herself and understood how distressing harassment could be, particularly when it allegedly involved members of a police force responsible for protecting and assisting the public.
Another participant, Eli Leblanc, criticised the use of police authority, arguing that some officers take advantage of their powers.
According to local media reports, the allegations involving the two officers relate to Montreal’s Police District 21, located in the city’s central area.
The Montreal Police Service confirmed that its Professional Standards Division was investigating both incidents. However, officials did not release further details about the ongoing investigations.
Montreal Police Respond to Allegations
In a statement released on Friday evening, the police service acknowledged that people experiencing homelessness are an integral part of society.
The department said it could not yet confirm the validity of the allegations. It also encouraged anyone who believed they had experienced discriminatory treatment by a police officer to contact the appropriate department.
Police officials emphasised that addressing homelessness requires cooperation among different organisations and public services, rather than relying on a single institution.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada also responded to the allegations, describing such incidents as contrary to the dignity and respect every person deserves.
She praised the officers who reportedly brought the incidents to light and said the investigations should be allowed to proceed through the appropriate legal and administrative processes.
Housing Affordability Remains a Major Concern
Organisers said homelessness cannot be addressed solely by examining police conduct. They pointed to rising rents, a shortage of affordable housing and what they consider insufficient government measures as major factors contributing to the crisis.
Alex Berthold, director of the community services organisation Cactus, said public discussions in recent years had often portrayed homeless people as a problem or a source of disruption. He argued that this approach risks overshadowing the human needs and difficult circumstances of those affected.
Advocates say homelessness should be addressed through policies that recognise people’s dignity and improve access to stable housing, support services and essential resources.
Annual Homelessness Awareness Event Held Across Quebec
La Nuit des sans-abri is an annual Quebec-wide initiative held on the third Friday of October. Its purpose is to raise awareness of homelessness and poverty while expressing solidarity with people facing housing insecurity.
According to the information provided, the event’s 37th edition took place in more than 80 cities across Quebec.
This year’s campaign used the French slogan Rendre visible l’invisible, meaning “Make the invisible visible.” The message aimed to draw attention to people whose struggles often remain overlooked in public discussions and policy decisions.
In Montreal, organisers expanded activities into different neighbourhoods, arranging more than a dozen events throughout the week rather than concentrating all activities in the downtown area.
Berthold said the change was intended to demonstrate that homelessness is not confined to the city centre but affects people in communities across Montreal.
March Calls for Greater Support for Homeless Residents
Friday’s solidarity march began near Square Sir George-Étienne Cartier and proceeded towards Lionel-Groulx station.
At the destination, organisers set up tables offering information and access to support services. Warm clothing was also distributed to people experiencing homelessness in preparation for the winter season.
Participants called on authorities to treat homelessness as a serious humanitarian and housing issue rather than merely an administrative or social inconvenience.
The demonstration brought together concerns about alleged police misconduct, housing affordability and the need for stronger public support. Organisers and advocates are urging governments and community organisations to work together to provide safer housing, protect individual dignity and improve services for vulnerable residents.
As Montreal continues to face housing pressures, the event has renewed calls for accountability, affordable accommodation and a coordinated response to homelessness across the city.
