Three days after the murder of young Thomas Trudel, the director of Joseph-François-Perrault school now recommends that students no longer walk alone and avoid the nearby park during the night. It is nevertheless reassuring: security has been reinforced in the neighborhood, 24 hours a day.
“There is a greater police presence in the neighborhood, and this 24/7,” wrote Julie Dessureault in a letter that was sent to parents on Wednesday, at the end of the afternoon, and of which Press got copy.
The principal adds that in addition to the police officers on the ground, the interveners of the Tandem organization “are there and have an eye on our students who leave after the usual school hours in order to allow a departure from the school towards the metro or bus with adult supervision ”.
Obviously, this is a remote surveillance, sometimes in a vehicle, we are not able to accompany each of the small groups by walking with them. A surveillance camera has been installed in the park.
Julie Dessureault, principal of Joseph-François-Perrault school
This also asks parents to “make your young people aware of the fact of traveling together” as much as possible, and to avoid being alone in the neighborhood. At night, it would also be preferable “to go through the rue François-Perrault [plutôt] than to pass through the park, ”she emphasizes.
On Friday, a minute of silence will be observed at school in memory of Thomas Trudel, who was only 16 years old. A message will also be read on the intercom. Finally, students can leave a message of condolence to the teenager’s family in a box located at the school reception.
“I don’t recognize Montreal”
Shaken by the murder of this 16-year-old teenager on Sunday, in the Saint-Michel district, François Legault, he lamented Wednesday “no longer recognize” Montreal, which is shaken by a series of shootings. His government is calling on Ottawa to take responsibility for tightening gun control.
“It’s terrible, I do not recognize Montreal,” said François Legault on his arrival at the Council of Ministers. ” [Ottawa doit] do more, ”he added shortly after.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Geneviève Guilbault, for her part, said she was “torn” and “traumatized”, also believing that Ottawa had to act. “It is a problem which is complex, which is profound and which goes beyond the sole responsibility of the Government of Quebec. ”
Mme Guilbault says he has not heard from a request to meet with the new Minister of Public Safety, Marco EL Mendicino, and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair. “We all understand that there was an election, but there are two new ministers, I sent them a letter with Quebec’s demands, including a very clear one with regard to gun violence. She noted.
Quebec is demanding in particular that Ottawa tighten control of firearms at the Canada-US border. “Weapons do not arrive by magic in Quebec”, recalled Mme Guilbault. She also calls for the federal government to clarify its sights on handgun control and to amend the Criminal Code to impose tougher penalties for gun-related crimes, such as trafficking and possession.
The Legault government is expected to announce additional investments in prevention during its economic update on November 25.
Trudeau does not come forward
Quebec’s call for help did not inspire Justin Trudeau to immediately commit to the possibility of toughening penalties for crimes committed with firearms or on the issue of illegal arms trafficking from states. -Unis, where he is at the moment to take part in the summit of the “Three Amigos”.
“We have always been there to strengthen gun control. We are there to use all the necessary means. We will continue to do whatever is necessary, ”he was content to declare during a brief press briefing on the terrace of a hotel in Washington.
He expressed his sadness at the tragic murder of the teenager. “This tragedy in Montreal breaks our hearts, especially since it occurs after many other tragedies”, he dropped by promising to “work with Quebec, with Montreal, with everyone who wants to ban guns fist “.
At Minister Mendicino’s office, it was confirmed that Minister Geneviève Guilbault’s office had requested an interview on Tuesday.
“We are working to organize a meeting,” wrote its communications director, James Cudmore, conveying “condolences to the family and loved ones of Thomas Trudel, who face unimaginable loss.”
With the collaboration of Mélanie Marquis, Press