MONTREAL — A former Montreal police officer, Philippe Bertrand, is filing a lawsuit against the police ethics commissioner for $1.1 million after being cleared of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a Black man, Nicholas Gibbs. The incident occurred in August 2018 when police were dispatched to a street altercation between two men. During this response, Bertrand shot Gibbs five times.

In his complaint, submitted to the Montreal courthouse on June 2, 2026, Bertrand argues that the ethics commissioner's five-year delay in concluding its investigation on the incident adversely affected his career, leading to job loss and permanent psychological harm. Following the shooting, Quebec's independent police watchdog initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

After several years of deliberation, the police ethics commissioner faced accusations of Bertrand's excessive use of force in the case. However, the watchdog cleared him of any wrongdoing in December 2021, and the ethics commissioner ultimately dismissed the complaint in May 2023.

Legally, under Quebec’s Police Act, the ethics commissioner enjoys protection from civil liability for actions taken in good faith, which complicates Bertrand’s lawsuit. His legal action raises questions about accountability and the extensive delays often inherent in investigations involving police conduct.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement practices, particularly regarding police interactions with marginalized communities. The case of Nicholas Gibbs has continued to resonate within societal discussions about police reform and the implications of excessive force.

As this legal battle unfolds, interest in the case may grow, particularly as it intersects with broader issues of race, justice, and police accountability in Quebec and beyond.

Erika Morris, The Canadian Press