Quebec calls for public inquests into fatal Old Montreal fire, SQ officer’s killing
Posted April 4, 2023 3:14 pm.
Last Updated April 4, 2023 3:27 pm.
The Quebec government is asking the coroner to hold public inquests into the killing of a provincial police officer and a deadly fire in Old Montreal.
Provincial police Sgt. Maureen Breau was stabbed to death March 27 while attempting to make an arrest in Louiseville, Que.
The man accused of killing her – who was shot dead by police – had a history of mental-health issues and had been found not criminally responsible at least five times for past offences.
Meanwhile seven people died in a March 16 fire in an Old Montreal heritage building that housed illegal Airbnb rentals.
Coroner Gehane Kamel is investigating the fire, but details of her probe will not be made public until she submits her final report.
The government is asking for public hearings overseen by a coroner for both fatal cases.
“I have asked the coroner this morning to start two public inquiry concerning the murder of Sgt. Breau and the fire in Old Montreal,” said François Bonnardel, Quebec’s public safety minister. “She will start after the other inquiry from the police.”
MORE ON OLD MONTREAL FIRE:
- Ensemble Montréal demands accountability for deadly Old Montreal fire
- Housing group wants Airbnb completely banned in Quebec
- Father of Old Montreal fire victim files $22M class-action lawsuit
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says the the city will fully cooperate with the investigation into the fire.
“We want to answer questions from bereaved families and shed light on this tragic tragedy,” Plante tweeted Tuesday. “The @SPVM
and the @MTL_SIM are working very hard.”
Montreal’s Official Opposition said it welcomed the initiative by the Quebec government.
“It is in the collective interest to understand what happened, to ensure the greatest transparency in order to prevent future incidents,” tweeted Ensemble Montréal.
La Ville de Montréal collaborera entièrement à l’enquête sur l’incendie dans le Vieux-Montréal.
Nous souhaitons répondre aux questions des familles endeuillées et faire la lumière sur ce drame tragique. Le @SPVM et le @MTL_SIM y travaillent très fort. #polmtl
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) April 4, 2023
