The Gatineau Municipal Court is canceling more than 2,000 arrest warrants for citizens who have not paid their fines.
The files go on for more than four years. Some of these arrest warrants were issued against homeless people.
Last spring, the city of Gatineau requested a temporary suspension of the mandates. The majority of the mandates date from June 2020, but more than 400 were issued even earlier.
Arrest requests were made for non-payment. Tickets are given to homeless people, while others are simply unable to pay. Of the 2,078 arrest warrants, two people were arrested.
From now on, each file will be re-evaluated individually. All personal data of those arrested will be removed from police intelligence.
There is even the possibility of an appeal, which could be brought by a representative of the people to whom the arrest warrants relate.
This comes as on-site preparations accelerate in anticipation of the winter chill as cold weather looms. The mayor mentioned that he met with various stakeholders last Friday.
There are currently 90 camps in the city, but France Bélisle admits that solutions must be found.