Military Police Complaints Commission announces Public Interest Hearing into alleged detention and treatment of a civilian

Complaint occurred in margins of an active shooter exercise at Canadian Forces Base Montreal (Longue-Pointe Garrison)

Ottawa (July 23, 2025) – The Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) has announced it will hold a Public Interest Hearing to investigate the conduct of members of the military police in relation to the alleged detention and treatment of a civilian employee on the margins of an active shooter exercise. The hearing will be presided over by the MPCC’s Chairperson, Me Tammy Tremblay and Commission Member Peter Lambrinakos. It will be mainly virtual at a date to be announced.

Background

According to the complaint, a civilian employee was [translation] “affected and brutalized” by events that occurred on the margins of an active shooter exercise on November 12, 2024, while he was on site painting at Canadian Forces Base Montreal (Longue-Pointe Garrison).

According to the complaint, military police members pointed their weapons at the employee, dragged him by and tore his clothes, conducted a search, and threw his personal papers on the ground. It is further alleged that he was left outside in 1 °C temperature in torn clothing. The complaint also states that one of the military police members used aggressive language despite the employee offering no resistance. The employee feared a serious incident was unfolding and believed he was being treated as a suspect. It is further alleged that before ordering him to leave, the officer communicated to the other officers outside that a "black employee" was leaving, that he posed no danger and that he had just been searched.

On November 21, 2024, the complainant, a union representative, filed a complaint with the MPCC on behalf of the civilian employee. On January 30, 2025, the Deputy Canadian Forces Provost Marshal issued a final decision, indicating, without reasons, that the conduct subject to the complaint, namely “training,” is excluded from the definition of policing duties and functions. On February 24, 2025, dissatisfied with the Deputy Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's handling of his complaint and the decision to proceed with an internal military police investigation, the complainant requested that the MPCC conduct an independent review of his complaint.

In her decision, the Chairperson noted that when a person not participating in a military exercise is detained, the context of the exercise does not negate the requirement for proper conduct and lawful authority. In this case, the employee was not a participant and believed he was being treated as a suspect.

As such, Me Tammy Tremblay has concluded that this complaint falls within the MPCC’s jurisdiction.

Decision to hold a Public Interest Hearing

On July 18, 2025, Me Tammy Tremblay rendered a decision to hold a Public Interest Hearing into the matter citing the following factors:

• The seriousness of the allegations, which reportedly caused trauma to the employee, and if substantiated, could represent a serious breach of police conduct in relation to fundamental rights.
• The potential broader systemic implications, including police use of force and racial profiling.
• The importance of serving the public interest by addressing the concerns in a transparent public forum, enabling the public and anyone affected or concerned by the incident, to follow the progress of the investigation.

“The allegations in this case are troubling. If substantiated, they could represent not only mental and physical harm to the civilian employee involved, but also a potential breach of our most fundamental rights. Investigating potential systemic issues like police brutality and racial profiling in a public forum is essential, as the findings could have implications far beyond this case for the military police. A Public Interest Hearing is the most transparent and effective way to ensure accountability and public trust.” - Me Tammy Tremblay, MSM, CD, LL.M., Chairperson, Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada

While the allegations raise serious concerns, they have not been proven. The MPCC will conduct its hearing in an open, fair and impartial manner. The MPCC will also ensure a trauma-informed approach for all participants that acknowledges the complexity of the issues involved and prioritizes respectful and empathetic engagement throughout the process.

Further details, including the complaint background, and the decision to hold a hearing, can be found on the MPCC's website.

Additional information on the proceedings, such as the hearing date, MPCC Counsel and the parties involved, will be provided once the MPCC has received and reviewed disclosure by the CFPM.

Related information:

• Decision to Conduct a Public Interest Hearing
• Decision on MPCC Jurisdiction Regarding the Active Shooter Exercise Incident
• Rules of Procedure for Hearings Before the Military Police Complaints Commission, 2022 (SOR/20229) 
• Me Tammy Tremblay biography
• Peter Lambrinakos, O.O.M. biography

Note to media: The MPCC is unable to comment on this complaint while the hearing is underway. For general inquiries on the MPCC’s role and processes, please contact:

Date modified:

2025-07-23