Québec’s Approach towards Violent Radicalization

Moving to the Front Row: Promoting Prevention over Repression

The creation of the Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence (CPRLV) came about as a result of a combination of worldly and local events as well as a change with regards to how best to address issues of violent radicalization.
As Canada fell prey to two terroristic incidents in October of 2014, in Ottawa and Saint-Jean sur Richelieu and taking into account the rise in youth departures to Syria/Iraq, concern has increased considerably in recent years. This context led to the realization that the prevention of such realities required a fundamental reassessment regarding the best way to tackle violent radicalization. Law enforcement entities, typically tasked with countering violent extremism, needed to take a back seat, their ability to effectively prevent violent radicalization drawing both criticism and doubt.
In response to this situation the city of Montreal, with the support of the government of Quebec, formed a 24/7 public helpline placed under the purview of a non-profit organization that is independent of all government agencies. Such a setting allows citizens to voice concerns about violent radicalization-like behaviours amongst their loved ones, friends, acquaintances or colleagues, and offers them an alternative to the law enforcement system. The helpline was launched in March 2015 at the same time as the CPRLV.

Alongside its mandate to man the helpline and assist citizens with any concerns related to… violent radicalization, three modules have been created… the Research Section provides expertise development and facilitates knowledge dissemination… Psychosocial Intervention Section is tasked with supporting, listening and counselling individuals and their relatives who are affected by violent radicalization… Prevention and Skills Development Section is tasked with developing and dispensing training and awareness workshops

Alongside its mandate to man the helpline and assist citizens with any concerns related to the phenomenon of violent radicalization, three modules have been created. The idea behind this three-fold structure is to feed on one another’s knowledge and to develop multidisciplinary expertise on radicalization leading to violence. Essential to the Centre’s need to increase its understanding of the local context in which violent radicalization evolves, the Research Section provides expertise development and facilitates knowledge dissemination; furthermore, it produces reports, as well as assisting with the other modules throughout its daily tasks. The Psychosocial Intervention Section is tasked with supporting, listening and counselling individuals and their relatives who are affected by violent radicalization. Last but not least, the Prevention and Skills Development Section is tasked with developing and dispensing training and awareness workshops to a wide variety of people.  It also provides tailored training in order to address the needs and concerns of community and institutional organizations (public and private), who wish to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon.

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