The Quebec government is providing $1.9 million to nearly a dozen youth programs in Montreal to help tackle crime among young people. Nine projects will be renewed, and two new ones will be created in Ville-Marie and Montreal-North. “What we’re doing now is crime prevention,” said Public Security Minister Ian Lafreniere at a press conference on Thursday. Some of that funding will be going to Le Centre Lasallien, an organization that helps at-risk youth. Interim executive director Chrystelle Robitaille says the centre will receive $300,000 to hire more psychosocial workers. “They work in proximity with kids and their families in their environment,” said Robitaille. According to Montreal police, up to 30 per cent of violent crime is committed by young people. Police Chief Fady Dagher says the ages range from 13 to 15. “We are extremely worried about what’s going on with the youth,” said Dagher. He says organizations working with at-risk youth can help tackle this growing problem. In addition to counsellors, the funding will help provide access to sports and creative activities. “I think this is not only a good step for this sector but also allows us to use this as a model for other areas that may be challenged in the same way,” said Jim Beis, the elected official responsible for safety and prevention at the City of Montreal. The funding, however, is not recurring. Robitaille says this can create uncertainty. “We need time to create significant relationship with [the] youth,” she said.
