‘Cannon fodder’: Parti Québécois wants hearings on rise in teens used in crimes

MONTREAL — The Parti Québécois is calling for legislative hearings to collect testimony from parents, police and community groups on the rising number of youth being used as “cannon fodder” by organized crime.

During an exchange today at the national assembly, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon mentioned the feelings of insecurity in Montreal over violent street gangs recruiting youth to commit crimes such as car theft, fraud and murder.

Quebec Premier François Legault responded that it’s upsetting to hear that teenagers are being recruited into organized crime, calling the development appalling and unacceptable.

Montreal’s police chief has called a news conference today about recent crimes in the city, including suspected extortion attempts police believe are behind a spate of firebombings of businesses.