4 police forces in Quebec have joined collectively to launch a coordinated technique aimed toward combating violence and extortion focusing on companies.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Montreal police (SPVM), Laval police and Longueuil police introduced Thursday the creation of Challenge UNIS. The joint initiative is designed to encourage reporting of violent acts towards companies, nameless or not, and enhance data sharing amongst police providers.
It additionally goals to supply quicker, coordinated assist to enterprise homeowners by way of harmonized prevention instruments, develop a provincewide intelligence on the problem, and strengthen the sharing of knowledge amongst forces.
Police say the venture will optimize responses to crimes focusing on retailers, guarantee a visual and reassuring presence, and scale back the power of criminals and arranged teams to function by way of better provincial collaboration.
“No enterprise ought to function beneath menace. It’s exactly to interrupt this cycle that our organizations are talking with one voice at present and deploying (the) venture,” stated Benoit Dubé, assistant director common of the provincial police power (SQ).
“Behind each focused institution, there are entrepreneurs, households and staff. Their security stays on the coronary heart of our dedication.”
Get breaking Nationwide information
Get breaking Canada information delivered to your inbox because it occurs so you will not miss a trending story.
Cédric Couture, assistant director with the Montreal police, stated the power has been totally engaged in combating extortion for greater than a yr and can intensify its efforts because the summer season season approaches.
“The venture marks a brand new step. Collectively, we remind enterprise homeowners that they don’t seem to be alone and that we’re right here,” Couture stated.
In Laval, the initiative will translate into an elevated presence amongst companies, based on Amélie Bouchard, chief inspector with the legal investigations division.
“Violence and intimidation by legal teams are unacceptable. Confronted with extortion, no group can act alone,” she stated, including police providers are united, mobilized and decided to behave by way of each prevention and investigations.
Sylvain Stringer, assistant director of legal investigations and intelligence for Longueuil police, stated the venture sends a transparent message that such crimes will probably be investigated and offenders recognized and dropped at justice.
Over the approaching weeks and months, the venture will probably be seen by way of visits to companies performed by the 4 police organizations.
Officers may even distribute instruments developed as a part of the initiative.
© 2026 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.