File Your Complaints to Fight Racial Profiling and Systemic Racism

In an urgent and heartfelt statement, Joie de Bellefeuille, founder of the Coalition Rouge, issued a solemn call for an independent public inquiry into the recent death of Mr. Nicos André Spring, which occurred approximately two weeks ago at the Bordeaux correctional facility. The organization, dedicated to combating systemic racism and discrimination across Canada, is now mobilizing alongside the grieving family while denouncing persistent institutional failures in addressing racial inequities.

“We are here to support the family, but also to demand justice,” stated Mr. de Bellefeuille during a public declaration. “This death must not remain in the shadows. A transparent and independent investigation is essential to understand what truly happened and to prevent other lives from being lost in indifference.”

Founded in 2021, the Coalition Rouge brings together families and individuals who have experienced various forms of discrimination—whether through racial profiling, denial of service, workplace injustices, or unequal treatment within public and private institutions. Its founder, himself a repeated victim of racial profiling, chose to transform his personal experience into a collective force for change.

In 2009, while being arrested by Longueuil police officers, he was allegedly told that his name—“Bellefeuille”—did not correspond to what a “Black or Indigenous man” should bear. This arbitrary stop led to a landmark ruling in 2012, when the Quebec Court recognized, for the first time in the province, the existence of racial profiling in a judicial case. Eight years later, in November 2020, another judgment confirmed that the City of Longueuil and its police service had again acted in a discriminatory manner toward him. The court then ordered corrective measures, including the systematic collection of data on police stops and mandatory training for all municipal officers.

However, according to Mr. de Bellefeuille, these legal victories have not been enough to eradicate discriminatory practices. This is why he founded the Coalition Rouge: “I no longer wanted this fight to remain individual. Too many people endure the same injustices in silence. Together, we can break this cycle.”

The organization emphasizes the critical importance of victims speaking out. “The more people come forward, the more the system is forced to change,” he stresses. “If no one speaks up, nothing moves forward.”

To facilitate access to justice and support, the Coalition Rouge offers multiple reporting channels. Its website, redcoalition.ca, not only allows written complaints to be submitted but also enables anonymous voice testimonies through a dedicated hotline. A team of advisors reviews each case and guides complainants toward appropriate recourse—whether through ethics complaints, filings with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ), or media advocacy.

As Mr. Spring’s death reignites debate over prison conditions and the treatment of racialized minorities within the penal system, the Coalition Rouge is urging authorities to act without delay. “This is not only a matter of justice for one family. It is a matter of human dignity for all marginalized communities,” concludes Joie de Bellefeuille.

Citizens wishing to report a case of discrimination or seek support are encouraged to visit the Coalition Rouge’s website or contact its teams directly through the organization’s official social media platforms.