Quebec tables bill to force police to ditch colourful camo pants protest

By Staff The Canadian Press

Posted April 27, 2017 2:27 pm EST

Updated April 28, 2017 5:55 pm EST

1 min read

This article is more than 7 years old and some information may not be up to date.

WATCH ABOVE: The Quebec government is legislating away the alternative uniforms Montreal police have been wearing, such as camouflage pants, forcing them to start wearing their full uniforms. As Global's Amanda Jelowicki reports, the colourful attire was part a pressure tactics over pension reform – Apr 28, 2017

Quebec Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux has tabled a bill to force municipal police officers to ditch their colourful protest pants.

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The bill amends the Police Act to obligate police officers and special constables to wear the uniform and equipment provided by their employer.

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Montreal police have been wearing camouflage and other brightly coloured pants since July 2014 as part of pressure tactics stemming from a battle over pension reforms.

IN PHOTOS: Quebec pension protests get creative

The bill would require the heads of police forces to enforce the rules and would impose hefty fines on officers who don’t comply.

WATCH BELOW: Police camo pants protest controversy

Coiteux has previously said it’s important for police to wear their uniforms to maintain public confidence and ensure officers can be easily identified.