1. Anti-radicalization groups in Montreal
Presentation by Camille Cardin-Goyer

2. Defining the problem
Violent extremists are individuals who support or commit ideologically-motivated violence to further political goals.
Radicalization is an evolving threat

3. The role of social media
Communication has always been crucial to spread ideology, legitimize actions, recruit followers and intimidate the enemy.
The context of radicalization has changed in the last few years.
Lately, we’ve seen a mastery of social media platforms by radical groups.
The threat feels closer to us.

4. Latest events
Oct., 20, 2014: Martin Couture-Rouleau ran down two Canadian Armed Forces members with his car in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, killing warrant officer Patrice Vincent.

5. Latest events
Oct., 22, 2014: Michael Zehaf-Bibeau shot soldier Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa.

6. Latest events
January 2015: Journalists found disturbing booklets in Montreal Mosques.
January 2015: Controversial Imam Hamza Chaoui planned to open a community center in Montreal but city official denied his permit request.

7. Latest events
February 2015: Authorities believe six Montreal students travelled to the Middle-East to fight with ISIL.

8. Latest events
March 2015: An anti-Islam protest in the Little Maghreb neighborhood in Montreal was organized by a right-wing European political organization.
April 2015: Two Montreal teens were charged with terror-related offences.

9. Anti-radicalization initiatives
Late January 2015: Quebec forms a special committee to tackle radicalization.
Jan., 30, 2015: New legislation. The Federal Government tabled Bill C-51.
The RCMP developed the CVE program.
Feb., 10, 2015: Several Quebec universities combined their knowledge and launched the Observatoire sur la radicalisation et l’extrémisme violent (ORS), led by Sami Aoun, Stéphane Berthomet, David Morin and Stéphane Leman-Langlois.

10. In Montreal
Mayor Denis Coderre recently created an Anti-Radicalization Center. Organizers are still seeking successful models to learn from.
The Coderre administration will be hosting the “Living Together” summit in June

11. People involved
Lamine Foura, founder of Congrès Maghrébin au Québec, member of Premier Couillard’s anti-radicalization committee, and spokesperson for the Muslim community.
Omar Koné, Imam and lecturer well-known for his liberal views and willingness to engage with non-Muslims. He is also a spokesperson for the Muslim community and the only religious leader part of the province’s Anti-Radicalization Committee.

12. People involved
Khan Du Dinh, Commander in charge of Community Relations and Prevention at the SPVM, police liaison for Montreal’s Anti-Radicalization Center.
Ali Chebli was inspired by #NotInMyName to publish a YouTube video. #PasEnMonNom fights the radical and violent speech of ISIL and stresses the importance of dissociating Islam and terrorism.

13. The Consulate’s role in CVE
Create partnerships:
empower local partners
Work with a community organization to amplify efforts
Give Muslim communities a voice:
Select an organization to work with
Work closely with and understand the needs/concerns of local Muslim communities.
Within Muslim communities, the groups most likely to say they are very worried about discrimination are Quebecers (44%)
Source: Statistics Canada 2011, Pew Institute reports on religious minorities

14. Key takeaway points
We must not confuse religious identity and violence.
We must think of CVE as a grassroots movement. Everything starts at a local/community level.
We must walk hand in hand, stand together against violence, and transcend ideological barriers.
We must overcome the emotional detachment of some immigrants toward their adoptive country.
We must raise awareness.