Quebec Superior Court Schedules 2028 Trial for $2M Civil Lawsuit Against Sûreté du Québec

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC — The Quebec Superior Court issued a formal case management scheduling order Friday morning, setting a four-week trial date beginning in October 2028 for the multi-million-dollar civil lawsuit filed by Jonathan Bettez against the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Attorney General of Quebec.

Civil Litigation and Malicious Prosecution Claims

The $2.1 million civil action stems from the high-profile investigation into the 2007 disappearance and death of nine-year-old Cédrika Provencher in Trois-Rivières. Bettez, who was publicly identified as a primary person of interest during police operations, alleges that provincial police investigators committed gross civil fault, malicious prosecution, and abusive interrogation techniques, resulting in severe psychological distress and permanent reputational harm. The plaintiff argues that investigative leaks violated his fundamental rights under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

Attorneys for the Sûreté du Québec and the provincial Attorney General maintain that all investigative actions, search warrants, and surveillance operations were executed lawfully and in good faith in pursuit of justice for a homicide victim.

Pre-Trial Discovery and Evidentiary Filings

Superior Court Justice Marc-André Blanchard ordered both parties to complete the exchange of expert psychiatric reports and forensic police log disclosures by December 2027.

Legal scholars in Quebec noted that the civil trial will establish significant jurisprudence regarding the legal liabilities of police forces during complex, uncharged homicide investigations.

Trial Opening Date

Formal witness testimony and oral arguments will commence at the Trois-Rivières Courthouse on October 16, 2028.