Montreal teens, parents, teachers asked to help explain wave of violence in upcoming forum
Worried about gun violence among Montreal's teens? So are police, the mayor and many others, after a series of fatal shootings -- but they say they need more information about what's led to this.
They're planning to ask the teens themselves, along with youth organizations and parents, in a three-day forum starting this Thursday.
"The idea is really to talk about how it has changed, share knowledge again... whether you're in a school or a non-profit organization at the grassroots level," said Mayor Valerie Plante.
Teens and their parents must sign up in advance for the day that's open to them.
Police have called for such a forum for the past few months, saying the issue was spiralling out of control, and one
"The fact that youth now, regarding violence, are less inclined to take it seriously, is a major issue for us and very complex to address as a police service," said Vincent Richer of Montreal police.
"[Even if] we're going to arrest someone... we don't solve the issue."
Not all youth violence involves guns. Most recently, this month, 16-year-old Lucas Gaudet was stabbed to death outside a high school in Pointe-Claire. In October, 16-year-old Jannai Dopwell-Bailey was killed in very similar circumstances in Cote-des-Neiges, also in broad daylight.
Guns have claimed the lives of at least two other teens in recent months, however: Thomas Trudel, also 16, was fatally shot in St-Michel in late November, and 17-year-old Amir Benayad died after being shot on a corner in the Plateau.
Teenagers were arrested in two of those cases, and there were no arrests in the other two.
Are you a parent or someone who works with teens and want to share your thoughts about youth violence? Write us at MontrealDigitalNews@bellmedia.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.