Protesters vandalize Minister Chantal Rouleau’s office

Quebec Minister Chantal Rouleau's office was vandalized on workers' rights day.

Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating after the office of Social Solidarity Minister Chantal Rouleau was vandalized Thursday morning.

According to SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, dozens of protesters committed mischief and vandalized the Pointe-aux-Trembles office with paint while ministry staff were present.

The group then left the scene by bus, heading toward Repentigny.

A police intervention later took place in front of the office of Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry.

To prevent further incidents, officers maintained a presence until the protesters returned to their union office.

Police identified around 40 individuals who were released pending an investigation.

“There was an investigation and analysis that needed to be done to assess the involvement of the individuals,” Brabant said. He added that the protesters may face charges.

In a post on social media, Minister Rouleau condemned the incident. Photos she shared on the platform X show anti–Bill 89 stickers covering the office.

“My employees (...) were violently intimidated this morning by a group of masked and threatening protesters who ransacked my office,” she wrote. “These heavy-handed tactics must stop immediately.”

Bill 89 would allow the government to maintain certain public services during labour conflicts to ensure the well-being of the population.

With files from the Canadian Press