Roger-Luc Chayer (Image generated by AI – Gay Globe)
On July 25, 2024, two countries, Japan and France, simultaneously issued a warning regarding crime in Montreal to their travelers. Not only was this a first for these important tourism partners of the city of Montreal, but these warnings also constituted a slap in the face to the mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, who now finds herself on the international stage with her policy of cohabitation and tolerance in the face of soaring crime rates.
Consulate of Japan in Montreal
According to Radio Canada, the Consulate of Japan in Montreal issued a warning stating: « Caution is advised in public transportation. The number of violent crimes such as thefts and sexual assaults in the Montreal metro system has significantly increased, with the number of crimes in 2023 almost doubling compared to 2022. Last year, many complaints were filed regarding the deterioration of safety in the Berri-UQAM, Bonaventure, and Lionel-Groulx metro stations, as well as on the bus lines of Beaubien, St-Laurent, and Jean-Talon East avenues. Although Montreal is known as a relatively safe city in North America, due to the recent increase in violent crimes, it is advised to take extra precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime and to stay away from areas with few pedestrians and dangerous locations.«
This warning, much to Mayor Plante’s dismay, is entirely consistent with the reality experienced by Montrealers, who face daily violence and physical assaults in the Montreal metro. Tourisme Montréal, in response to this warning from the Japanese consulate, stated in a press release: « Montreal remains a safe city, as evidenced by our position in various reputable rankings. However, we are fully aware of the concerns regarding safety in the Montreal metro. »
Consulate General of France in Montreal
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, for its part, publishes useful information for French travelers on its « Canada » page, but adds a specific note for Montreal: « There has been a marked increase in passport theft and personal belongings theft in Montreal, whether it’s pickpocketing in public spaces or, more notably, burglaries of often poorly secured tourist apartments, as well as vehicle thefts (especially SUVs). It is advisable to be particularly vigilant, keep official identity documents on you or in secure places as much as possible, and file a complaint with the local police in case of theft.«
On the Ground
The current crime situation in Montreal, which does not seem to concern Mayor Valérie Plante, is well known to Montrealers, particularly in the downtown area and the Village. This crime has been the subject of numerous denunciations by community groups and citizens who have been demanding better police services management for several years. Now, France and Japan are publicly expressing their concerns; other countries will surely follow. An international slap for a mayor who continues to deny the facts.