Jean-Talon MNA and Parti Québécois (PQ) Public Safety critic Pascal Paradis is calling for a parliamentary commission to be held to investigate minors being recruited by criminal groups.
He says he wants to hear from stakeholders, experts and organizations involved in crime prevention and control, youth protection and community action.
The PQ wants the National Assembly to be proactive towards the increase in violent crime.
“The evolution of armed violence has been a concern for several months, even several years, mainly in the Montreal region,” said Paradis. “However, current events regularly remind us that the situation is now spreading to all major cities in Quebec and to many regions.”
After adopting a motion on Tuesday, he wants to hear from experts in the National Assembly to come up with solutions.
Paradis is also urging the Public Security Ministry to mobilize against the ongoing street gang phenomenon and their recruitment process among young people.
“More recently, the death, during a shooting, of a minor recruited by a criminal group brings back to the forefront the danger posed by the recruitment of young people by street gangs and other criminal groups,” he said.
According to a press release, hundreds of young people have already been recruited by street gangs and other criminal groups, which has led to an increase in car thefts, fraud, criminal acts targeting businesses, especially restaurants, which can no longer operate without being targeted by vandalism or arson.
Also, it’s been reported that an ongoing phenomenon of fear has been imposed throughout Quebec, forcing victims, parents, and stakeholders to remain silent.
“Our children’s future is at stake, which is why we must draw up the necessary observations and establish a clear picture of the situation. I believe that a parliamentary commission would make it possible to respond positively to the calls of experts and citizens who are concerned about recent events,” stated Paradis.
After receiving unanimous support for his motion, Paradis says that he expects the Commission des institutions to call a session “as soon as possible.”
“Everyone agrees, let’s take action. I will continue to stand up to urge the government to take this phenomenon seriously so that we can protect our youth from being recruited by gangs and other criminal groups,” concluded Paradis.