Quebec to equip highway traffic controllers with firearms
Posted October 22, 2025 4:07 pm.
Last Updated October 22, 2025 6:08 pm.
The Quebec government will equip highway traffic controllers with firearms.
Traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring and enforcing road transport rules for people and goods under the Highway Safety Code. They perform most of their duties while on patrol — about 70 per cent of the time, according to the government.
For years, road inspectors have been vocal about the lack of safety in their work, as they are sometimes exposed to aggression when they intercept a vehicle.
In a decision last March, the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT) stated that “the organization of work and the methods and techniques used to perform it are unsafe and pose a risk to the health of road inspectors when they are working on the road.”
“The Tribunal finds that the weapons provided by the employer to road inspectors do not allow them to protect themselves when they intervene on the road,” added Administrative Judge Danielle Tremblay.
The TAT also ordered the suspension of unplanned interventions by road inspectors, “thus preventing them from carrying out their usual patrol activities.”
Traffic controllers will have to undergo specialized training before they can use their firearms.
Workplaces will also have to be equipped “to ensure the safe storage of weapons.”
The option of using stun guns was also evaluated and then rejected by the government.
Government outlines implementation plan
The Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Jonatan Julien, and the Minister of Public Security, Minister responsible for First Nations and Inuit Relations and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region, Ian Lafrenière, announced the measure, stating it aligns with the Quebec government’s vision to improve public safety — including on roads.
To ensure the process unfolds properly, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) must complete several steps in the coming weeks. Some actions have already been taken to support the safe and swift resumption of patrol activities.
The SAAQ has also submitted a detailed plan to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), responding to all 27 requirements set out by the TAT. Collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the Sûreté du Québec was required for some adjustments.
Starting in November, fixed inspection points will be installed in strategic areas.
Additional steps underway include:
- Review by CNESST of the 27 action plans submitted by the SAAQ.
- Development of policies and directives for firearm use.
- Workplace adaptation to ensure secure firearm storage.
- Qualification steps and specialized firearm training in collaboration with the École nationale de police du Québec, following the same standards used for police officers.
Training and costs
The Quebec government plans to take between 12 and 18 months to train highway controllers so they can return to patrols autonomously and safely.
In the meantime, the government wants them to resume patrols accompanied by police officers.
“Possession of a firearm also helps to rebalance the power relationship in favour of the traffic enforcement officer. For example, when the intervention takes place in the presence of a firearm, when individuals are aggressive with the intention of causing bodily harm,” explained Julien on Wednesday in the National Assembly.
Training, equipment and maintenance are expected to cost about $15 million over 15 years, Julien said. A public tender will be launched to purchase weapons for highway patrol officers.
Staffing adjustments and new recruits
Quebec currently has about 330 highway traffic controllers. Julien said a small number may refuse to be armed or fail to pass the training.
Those workers could be reassigned to other duties that do not involve patrols, while new recruits will be required to carry a firearm as part of their role.
Ministers emphasize safety and accountability
“As soon as I arrived at the Ministry, I took the necessary steps to fully understand the reality of roadside controllers and the issues related to their safety. After many discussions with the relevant partners, I made a responsible decision and rallied the stakeholders to reach a consensus. The choice of service weapon, future training and the implementation of the action plan are concrete levers to ensure the safety of road inspectors and their return to our roads,” Julien stated in a press release.
Lafrenière added that this step strengthens enforcement and safety across Quebec’s road network.
“On September 29, we announced our firm desire to strengthen surveillance and safety on the road network. Today, we are taking a decisive step towards better enforcing our laws and regulations in this regard. By allowing traffic controllers to carry a firearm to do their jobs, we are further protecting them and the entire population.”
