Montreal police chief to announce early retirement

Sylvain Caron is stepping down after more than four years as Montreal police chief.

A source close to the SPVM confirmed to Global News that Caron is retiring ahead of the end of his mandate, which was to expire in December 2023.

The City of Montreal also confirmed the news and said Caron and Mayor Valérie Plante will provide an update at a press conference Tuesday morning.

Caron, a former Sûreté du Québec police officer, took on the role of police chief in 2018. He was appointed following a report into Montreal police’s internal affairs.

Before he joined Montreal police, he had more than 35 years experience in the field — including 20 years in management. In 1981, he joined the Sorel-Tracy municipal police department and served as director from 1997 until 2002.

Caron also served in administrative positions at the Sûreté du Québec until his retirement in March 2018.

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The past year, however, hasn’t been an easy one for the Montreal police chief.

Caron was forced to apologize following the wrongful arrest and detention of a Black man in the attempted murder of a police officer in January 2021.

Mamadi Camara, the man at the centre of the wrongful arrest, sued the City of Montreal, its police department and the Quebec Crown prosecutor’s office.

A settlement was reached earlier this year, with Montreal police saying it would implement the 18 recommendations made by Quebec Superior Court Justice Louis Dionne following a probe into the incident.

The past year has also been marked by a spike in armed violence in the city, with the deaths of several teenagers leading to calls for more prevention.

2:01 Crime Prevention: Racialized, English-speaking community groups say they’re being left out

The Leader of the Official Opposition at City Hall was quick to react to Caron’s premature departure.

In a written statement, Aref Salem expressed his worry that the needs of Montrealers weren’t being met and hinted at strained relations between the city and its police service.

“The fact that Mr. Caron is jumping ship at a time when the city is in the midst of a major violence crisis is a major concern to Montrealers.”

— with files from The Canadian Press