15 arrested after ‘occupation’ of Quebec transport minister’s office

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“No theft, attempted intimidation or vandalism took place,” SFPQ union says.

Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel responds to the Opposition during question period, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the legislature in Quebec City.
Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel responds to the Opposition during question period, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the legislature in Quebec City. Photo by Jacques Boissinot /The Canadian Press

Fifteen people have been arrested after “an occupation” of Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel’s office in Granby Tuesday morning.

Bonnardel described the individuals as members of the Syndicat de la fonction publique et parapublique du Québec (SFPQ), and said they frightened and intimidated two employees, in addition to stealing and vandalizing things. The Granby police did not confirm the information or disclose the motivation behind the incident.

Bonnardel took to social media to voice his disapproval.

“I strongly condemn this deplorable and unjustified gesture and we will file a complaint with the police,” he said. “This kind of behavior has no place with us or anywhere else and I ask the SFPQ to bring its members to order.”

The SFPQ denied Bonnardel’s comments, saying instead that its members carried out an “occupation of the office” respectfully. Some 26,000 of the union’s members are set to strike next week.

“No theft, attempted intimidation or vandalism took place,” the union said.

It added that “signs and posters were put up on the office windows” and that they’re “easily removable.”

All 15 people were released on a promise to appear. The investigation by the Granby police is ongoing.



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