Several citizens concerned about the rise in gun crimes gathered outside the Raymond-Fortin Community Center in Laval to take part in a march against violence called “Together for Peace”.
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The rally was organized by the Place Saint-Martin Working Committee and Laval-des-Rapides MP Saul Polo.
“The pandemic has created a lot of isolation and young people have been hit the hardest. In the last two years it is clear that perhaps the isolation has also led to some of these young people coming together with certain criminal activities,” the Liberal-elected explained to TVA Nouvelles.
The latter hopes Saturday’s march will send a clear message to the government to increase its financial support for community organizations.
“For every dollar invested in security through Operation CENTAUR, a dollar must also be invested in supporting our independent community organizations that work every day to prevent crime,” claims Saul Polo.
There were 43 firearms incidents in Laval last year.
“This is the highest rate of firearm incidents in Quebec. So for the residents of Laval, we must do our fair share of financial support,” said the Liberal MP for Laval-des-Rapides.