“Cannon fodder”: the Parti Québécois wants an increase in hearings on adolescents used in crimes

By The Canadian Press

October 10, 2024 | 10:54 a.m.

MONTREAL — The Parti Québécois is calling for legislative hearings to gather testimony from parents, police officers and community groups on the growing number of young people used as “cannon fodder” by organized crime.

During an exchange today at the National Assembly, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon mentioned the feeling of insecurity in Montreal in the face of violent street gangs who recruit young people to commit crimes such as car theft, fraud and murder.

Quebec Premier François Legault responded that it was distressing to learn that teenagers are being recruited into organized crime, calling the development appalling and unacceptable.

Montreal’s police chief called a news conference today about recent crimes in the city, including alleged extortion attempts that police say are behind a series of firebombing attacks on businesses.