Montreal's gun problem gets political

par Jeromec, vendredi 27 août 2021, 11:22 (il y a 1715 jours) @ corbeau

Un thème de POLITIQUE de campagne électorale.... les Armes à Feu...

https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/allison-hanes-montreals-gun-problem-gets...

Allison Hanes: Montreal's gun problem gets political

Defunding the police and curbing the rise in gun crime are issues generating debate heading into November's municipal election.

Another day, another round of gunfire in Montreal.

Luckily no one was hurt or killed on Wednesday, which is too often the tragic outcome when shots are fired. This time all police found on Notre-Dame St. in the Sud-Ouest borough was a door riddled with bullets.

But in light of the dramatic events of the previous day — and rising political tensions around the issue of gun violence in Montreal — no shooting escapes notice.

In the wee hours of Tuesday, two police officers leaving the McGill University Health Centre were caught in a hail of bullets near St-Jacques St. and Décarie Blvd. One was slightly wounded in the arm despite taking cover behind a patrol car. The hospital went into preventive lockdown for several hours.

Adding to the intrigue, however, was the reaction of Montreal police Chief Sylvain Caron many hours later. At a late-evening news conference, a visibly upset Caron decried the “gratuitous” act and claimed the two officers were targeted

If true, the deliberate attempt to fire on police officers would mark an alarming escalation of gun crime in Montreal, even if the shooter or shooters missed their mark. Typically underworld thugs, whether the Mafia, bikers or street gang members, focus on each other. Taking direct aim at law enforcement would be a declaration of war for which those pulling the trigger should expect a serious response. Think back to the efforts to crack down on the Hells Angels in the late ’90s after a child was killed as collateral damage and two prison guards were assassinated. It’s not only brazen to shoot at cops — it’s a huge risk inviting enduring scrutiny.

But in light of the dramatic events of the previous day — and rising political tensions around the issue of gun violence in Montreal — no shooting escapes notice.

In the wee hours of Tuesday, two police officers leaving the McGill University Health Centre were caught in a hail of bullets near St-Jacques St. and Décarie Blvd. One was slightly wounded in the arm despite taking cover behind a patrol car. The hospital went into preventive lockdown for several hours.

Adding to the intrigue, however, was the reaction of Montreal police Chief Sylvain Caron many hours later. At a late-evening news conference, a visibly upset Caron decried the “gratuitous” act and claimed the two officers were targeted.

Indeed, Caron vowed to track down the perpetrators and reassured his rank and file that he is behind them.''

Heureusement VAL travaille sur la prévention en voulant offrir des cours d'écoles plus VERTES.... ça aide à prévenir la violence et la délinquance tout en aidant à avoir des bases saines pour les enfants...

https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/plante-announces-help-for-greener-schoolyar...

Valérie Plante promises greener schoolyards, more robust nightlife
"The interests of families are at the heart of our decisions," Plante said.

Incumbent Mayor Valérie Plante promised Thursday that if re-elected, she would provide $57 million over the next four years to help schools turn their asphalt-covered schoolyards into green spaces.

The funding would enable school boards or service centres to work with local boroughs to transform yards from heat islands into tree-shaded, pleasant places for children to play, the Projet Montréal leader said at an early morning press conference in St-Henri.

The interests of families are at the heart of our decisions,” she said, noting that green schoolyards are particularly important in inner-city neighbourhoods that lack access to nature.

With rising real-estate values, it’s getting harder for cities to find or create green space, Plante said. Schoolyards that are transformed into parks would be made accessible to the public outside of school hours, she said.

Later, Plante announced a $600,000 subsidy to an organization devoted to fostering Montreal’s nightlife, MTL 24/24.

Cultural institutions and businesses that operate at night need to be ready to relaunch their activities once health conditions permit, she said.

In May, MTL 24/24 held a two-day summit on after-hours activities in the city, from bars to festivals, to help develop a game plan for how they will recover after the pandemic.

Before COVID-19, Montreal had been an enthusiastic supporter of nighttime initiatives like Nuit blanche, an annual all-night arts festival. This year’s edition in March was severely curtailed by the 8 p.m. curfew.

Nightlife is an important component of Montreal’s joie de vivre and a key ingredient of social life, particularly for youth, Plante said. One of her promises during the 2017 election campaign was nightlife policy.

Once known as the Paris of North America, Montreal has long been fabled for its after-hours scene, with American tourists flocking to its cabarets and jazz clubs in the 1940s and ’50s.

MTL 24/24 will use the funding to research best practices in other cities and provide help and guidance to local businesses that make their livelihood after dark.''

Au lieu de VOLER de l'argent à Montréal Québec devrait peut-être faire partie de la solution et non pas du problème....

GO VAL GO!
Et où est Ottawa dans le dossier des armes à feu?