Montreal police request provincial backup to offset summer staff shortages
CTV News has learned Montreal's police force has put in a request with the Surete du Quebec (SQ) to provide provincial police backup over the summer to offset staff shortages and an expected increase in gun violence.
Montreal police have requested 30 provincial investigators, according to a source with knowledge of the request. The added officers would fill spaces left by Montreal police personnel on vacation.
Data compiled in late-April by the Journal de Montreal suggest there had been 36 instances of gun-related crime since the beginning of the year. At the time, a police spokesperson said gun crime tends to rise during warmer months, when more people are outside.
In mid-May, Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher said his officers had made 107 arrests in connection with firearms and seized nearly 250 weapons since 2023 began.
Dagher made the announcement during his speech taking stock of his first 100 days as police chief on May 16.
He also said that he was surprised by the ages of those arrested, many of whom were as young as 14 years old.
“By 14-15, they say, ‘what the heck?’ My friend has a gun to protect myself. I’m going to have a gun to protect myself,” said Dagher.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.