It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Sergeant Maureen Breau, which occurred in the line of duty, during an intervention in Louiseville, on March 27th.
On behalf of all members of the Sûreté du Québec, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to his spouse, children, family and colleagues. My thoughts also go out to his colleague, who was injured during this intervention.
This tragic death, as well as that of other police officers across Canada in recent months, reminds us of the danger inherent in the profession, particularly in the face of extreme situations and dangerous individuals as was the case during the situation at which Sergeant Breau, her fellow police officers and the emergency telecommunications workers were confronted with.
As soon as I learned of this tragedy, I went to the scene and asked my team to offer the necessary support to the colleagues of Mr.me Breau and their families.
People wonder if this too many deaths should or could have been avoided. Should the assailant have been in a hospital or be better supervised? How did an individual representing a known risk end up on the loose? Could the justice and health systems have avoided such a tragedy?
These are questions that we must answer collectively. Police services, unions and justice, health and public safety partners will have to sit down and find concrete, concerted and permanent solutions together.
We must ensure that the police obtain the relevant information before intervening. My team members and I stand ready to work with all of these actors to prevent further loss of life.
Teamwork and partnership is a priority for me. This is why I believe that the important reflections that are required must be undertaken and carried out in concert with our partners, including those in the health and justice sectors.
Continue the efforts
This tragic death is currently being investigated by the Independent Investigations Bureau and the Montreal Police Department. In addition, the Government of Quebec has requested that a public inquiry be held. The Sûreté du Québec welcomes this investigation and will offer its full cooperation in the context of it.
While waiting for the conclusions of these investigations, I am continuing my efforts and working tirelessly to create favorable and safe conditions allowing our police officers to continue to protect the population.
Policemen and women protect us. Let’s make sure we protect them.
Today we are in mourning. Today and tomorrow, I continue my commitment to ensuring public safety, such as that of our frontline personnel.
Today, we are in tears, but it is together that we will go through this ordeal.