The process of ticketing someone for breaking social distancing rules was made easier for Quebec police officers on Saturday.
Before, police had to send a report to the Crown prosecutor’s office before any charges were laid. Now, officers with the Montreal Police and Surete du Quebec can give a $1,000 ticket on the spot for illegal gatherings both indoor and outdoor.
The new power has been granted by the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales. “Anyone who commits the infraction is given the ticket immediately,” said Montreal police spokesperson André Durocher. “Psychologically, the impact will be there.” Quebec continues to re-iterate that gatherings are no longer allowed in an effort to battle the COVID-19 outbreak. [ Sign up for