Creation of a Centre to prevent violent radicalization - « Montréal shows its leadership on vigilance » - Denis Coderre

MONTRÉAL, March 9, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre and Police Chief Marc Parent, along with Kathleen Weil, Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness announced, in the presence of numerous partners from different sectors, the creation of a Centre to prevent violent radicalization—the Centre de prévention à la radicalisation menant à la violence.

Drawing on international best practices, this centre will be Montréal's first permanent institution for preventing violent radicalization that involves partners from different areas. Representatives of the healthcare and social service, public safety, community, educational, institutional, employment and research sectors have agreed to join forces and pool expertise in launching this Prevention Centre.

The Centre will seek to nip violent radicalization in the bud, while providing support and guidance to families, friends and stakeholders in the Montréal community.

"We've decided to show our leadership on vigilance. Violent radicalization is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. The city and its partners will deploy all resources required by the Prevention Centre to get it up and running as soon as possible. It must have means to put a stop to the radicalization process and to minimize the number of radicalized individuals who go on to commit violent acts," the Mayor emphasized.

Montréal's Police Chief added, "While coercion is an important factor in the emergence of this new phenomenon, social assistance and prevention play even larger roles. The Centre also serves as a reference and expertise hub that will become operational within a few weeks. Its resources will be available to anyone who has questions or concerns about violent radicalization."

A Launch Committee has been established to set up the Centre. The Committee's role will be to make the Centre operational as soon as possible, create its governance structure and define procedures to be employed by the various parties to ensure uniform action.

Montréal's Mayor and Police Chief also today announced during a press conference the activation of a special phone number, prior to the Prevention Centre's official opening. Anyone with questions or concerns with respect to violent radicalization can now call 514-280-2002.

The following partners participated in this announcement at the press conference:
Jocelyn Bélanger, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, UQAM; Richard Fillion, Director General, Dawson College and President, Regroupement des collèges du Montréal métropolitain; Yves Sylvain, Executive Director, Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys; Jean-Marc Potvin, Executive Director, Centre jeunesse de Montréal-Institut universitaire; France Émond, Executive Director, Vivre Saint-Michel en santé.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Source : Catherine Maurice, Press Attaché, Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee, 514 346-7598; Information : Media relations, SPVM, 514 280-2015