Montreal anti-radicalization centre officially launches after months in service

Montreal's anti-radicalization centre was officially inaugurated on Sunday, eight months after it was first announced and with 93interventions already under its belt.

Mayor Denis Coderre and Quebec Muncipal Affairs Minister and interim Public Security Minister Pierre Moreauheralded theCentrefor the Prevention ofRadicalizationLeading toViolence, calling it a key tool for prevention against terrorism.

"Prevention is key to our collective security and living in harmony," Coderre said at the launch.

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The city and the province each contributed $1 million for the centre over two years.

The centre helps families who are worried their children or relatives may be turning towards extremism. A 24-hour hotlineis available for anyone with questions and concerns.

The centre will alsosendsocial workers tomeetwith families if needed. So far, it has met with 93.

It also refers someof its calls to the police, if thecases are deemed alarming enough. So far, of the 475calls it has received, the centre alerted thepolice to eight cases.

A website for reporting suspected radicalization

The centre also unveiled its website on Sunday, where residents can find more information and report cases.

A feature of the site is a "behaviour barometer" which lists warning signs of radicalization, rated from 'insignificant" to "alarming."

According to the barometer,arguing fervently to defend a conviction and adopting religioussymbols and beliefs are behaviours that are "insignificant"while cutting off ties with friends and families and consulting extremist websitesis rated "worrisome."

The24-hour helpline is at(514) 687-7141 in Montreal or1-877-687-7141 in the rest of Quebec.

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