“The entire population must be mobilized to stop this scourge [du recrutement des jeunes par les gangs de rues]», pleads the office of the Ministry of Public Security.
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This declaration comes in response to the request for a commission of inquiry by the Association of Muslim Burial of Quebec (ASMQ).
This fight for recruitment “goes as much through the police, community organizations, parents as the young people themselves,” argued the press secretary for the office of the Minister of Public Security François Bonnardel.
Supervising young people “in a spider’s web”
In the immediate future, the solution to recruitment would be to ensure that “young people are in a spider’s web of significant adults,” believes the spokesperson for Québec solidaire in matters of public security and MP for Laurier Dorion, Andrés Fontecilla.
“We must take an overall look at this question to know what the possible avenues are,” said the man who was present at last Saturday’s gathering organized by the ASMQ.
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Although he does not exclude the possibility of a commission of inquiry, he believes that the fight against the recruitment of young people involves first and foremost improving the socio-economic conditions in which parents raise their children.
In particular, he suggests increasing the minimum wage and campaigns for the revitalization of neighborhoods. As for the role of police forces, he points out that if more funds must be granted, “it is in specialized investigative work” rather than in the number of police officers on patrol.
All parties involved launched a real call for dialogue, emphasizing the importance of listening to the young people concerned.
