Montreal's anti-radicalization centre: 5 calls from private businesses

Montreal's anti-radicalization centre has seen a rise in calls fromprivate businesses concerned about employees' behaviour in the last three months.

The Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence helps families, teachers, social workers and companies who are worried about individuals that may be turning towards extremism.

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"Of the five cases, there is one case that I will probably transfer to police," Herman Deparice-Okomba, director of the centre, told Radio-Canada.

Private companies have reached out to the centre, seeking help for individual employees in the workplace.

"There were cases where we did direct intervention, where we meet the person concerned and in some cases we even provide coaching," Deparice-Okomba said.

Increase incalls after Paris attacks

Created in March 2015 by the City of Montreal, the centre has received about 600 calls flagging possible radical behaviour.

The centre has transferred a total of 10 cases to police four of which came after the Nov. 12 Paris attacks.

"Radicalization affects all sectors, that's for sure," Deparice-Okomba said.

The centre treats all information confidentially. It will transfer files to the police if the case is alarming or if the individual represents a danger to him or herself or the community.

The 24-hour helpline is at (514) 687-7141 in Montreal or 1-877-687-7141 in the rest of Quebec.