Quebec wants to honour police officers killed in the line of duty

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette unveils a road sign on Monday, May 11, 2026, commemorating provincial police officer Maureen Breau, who was killed in the line of duty responding to a man with a history of mental health issues. (@CFrechette/X)

Premier Christine Fréchette wants to honour the memory of police officers who died while on duty.

Fréchette announced Monday in Nicolet, where the National Police Academy is located, that overpasses would be named in honour of police officers who have “made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their community.”

The first naming will be in tribute to police officer Maureen Breau, who died during a call in 2023. An overpass at Rue des Prairies in Trois-Rivières, near the Sûreté du Québec headquarters, will bear the late officer’s name.

“The reality is that our police officers protect us at the risk of their lives. We must be aware of this,” the premier said to an audience of dignitaries.

“As head of the government, my role is to ensure that throughout Quebec, their sacrifices are never forgotten,” she added.

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Traffic signs will be installed near the commemorative overpasses to honour the memory of the fallen police officers.

Since 1852, 190 police officers have died in the line of duty, according to the Fréchette government, which does not yet know how many memorial overpasses there will be.

“What’s important to us is that this reflects the wishes of the families. Nothing will be imposed,” said Minister of Domestic Security and former police officer Ian Lafrenière.

He explained that he has been working on this project for several years with Richard Gratton, a former military officer and current chair of the “Devoir de mémoire” committee.

“In Kingston [Ontario], I saw the memorial overpasses dedicated to police officers who died in the line of duty. Every time, I’d think to myself: ‘Why not in Quebec?’” Gratton recounted on Monday.

“One day, a child will ask: ‘Dad, Mom, why does the bridge have a name?’ On that day, a story ... will be passed on ... A calling to public service may be awakened.”

Sgt. Breau, 42, was stabbed to death by Isaac Brouillard Lessard, a 35-year-old man with a long history of mental health issues. He was shot and killed by the officer’s colleagues moments after the attack in Louiseville, in the Mauricie region, on March 27, 2023.

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Breau’s parents, Michel and Laurette, were present at Monday’s unveiling. They unveiled the plaque honouring their daughter alongside Premier Fréchette.

Visibly moved, they chose not to comment to the media. Monday marked Police Appreciation Day. The day is part of Police Week, which is being held this year under the theme “At the heart of the action, people first.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 11, 2026.

Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press