Dimitris Ilias-LJI journalist In a recent development that has resonated within the community of Park-Extension

SPVM Launches Recruitment Drive for Diversity-Focused Police Training Program

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is actively seeking candidates for its AEC Diversité policière et profil social program, an initiative aimed at increasing diversity within law enforcement. The program is designed to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with expertise in social sciences, offering them a unique pathway into policing.
This recruitment effort comes at a critical time for communities like Parc-Extension, where issues of representation, cultural sensitivity, and community policing have long been at the forefront of civic discussions. As one of Montreal’s most diverse neighborhoods, Parc-Extension is home to a significant immigrant population, many of whom have expressed concerns over trust in law enforcement and equitable policing.
A Pathway to a More Representative Police Force
The AEC Diversité policière et profil social program specifically targets two groups:
Individuals from diverse backgrounds who hold a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) or a bachelor’s degree.
Graduates in social sciences-related fields.
Selected candidates will undergo an intensive 30-week training program in police techniques, followed by a 15-week patrol officer training session at the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ). The SPVM highlights that officers who graduate from this program will have access to more than 150 career opportunities within the police force.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and Montreal’s multicultural communities by integrating individuals who possess a deep understanding of cultural nuances, social issues, and the unique challenges faced by minority communities.
The Impact on Parc-Extension
For neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where many residents speak languages other than French and English, and where cultural perceptions of policing vary widely, a program like this could be a game-changer. The presence of officers who understand the lived experiences of racialized and immigrant communities fosters trust and encourages more positive interactions between law enforcement and the public.
Local activists and community leaders have long advocated for a police force that better reflects the city’s demographics. With Montreal’s population becoming increasingly diverse, ensuring that law enforcement mirrors this diversity is key to fostering a sense of safety and inclusion. The SPVM’s initiative is a step toward addressing longstanding concerns about racial profiling, discrimination, and systemic barriers in policing.
Addressing the Challenges of Diversity in Policing
While recruitment programs like these are essential, experts stress that structural reforms must accompany diversity efforts to ensure lasting change. Having more diverse officers is not enough if institutional policies and training do not evolve to address racial biases, cultural competence, and community-based policing strategies.
Additionally, ensuring that minority recruits feel fully integrated and supported within the SPVM is crucial. In the past, racialized officers in Montreal have spoken about facing discrimination within their own ranks. Effective mentorship, inclusive workplace policies, and ongoing diversity training will be necessary to sustain the progress made through this recruitment program.
Encouraging a New Generation of Officers
For young people in Parc-Extension who may have never considered a career in law enforcement, this program offers a new perspective. By valuing lived experience, cultural awareness, and social science expertise, the SPVM is making an effort to modernize policing and foster a service that is more responsive to the needs of its citizens.
With over 150 specialized functions available to those who complete the training, the program presents a wide array of career paths beyond traditional patrol duties, including community relations, crisis intervention, cybercrime, and investigative work.
As applications open, the success of the AEC Diversité policière et profil social program will depend on the willingness of Montreal’s diverse communities to engage with law enforcement in new ways. Programs like these, if implemented effectively, could pave the way for a police force that is truly representative of the city it serves.
For those interested in joining, now is the time to take the leap and become part of the future of policing in Montreal.

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New immigration law help center brings hope to Parc-Extension’s vulnerable communities

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

On February 5th, a new immigration law information center opened its doors in the Parc-Extension neighborhood, offering a beacon of hope to individuals struggling with immigration-related uncertainties. Managed by law students under the guidance of specialized lawyers, the center aims to provide clear and accessible information about immigration laws and available legal recourses.
This initiative, supported by the Faculty of Law at the Université de Montréal, the Vice-Rectorate for Community and International Partnerships, and the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI), operates two evenings per week. The project is designed to meet the needs of the local community, offering information services rather than legal advice.
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Individuals
The information center is specifically targeted at those in precarious immigration situations, such as asylum seekers awaiting decisions, individuals without legal status, and those awaiting permanent residency on humanitarian grounds. Facing complex legal processes and limited access to resources, these individuals can now turn to the center for vital information about their rights and possible actions.
“This service is the result of an exceptional collaboration grounded in a shared commitment to providing accessible services tailored to the needs of the Parc-Extension community,” said Geneviève Saumier, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Université de Montréal. She emphasized that the center’s mission aligns with the university’s values of community service and civic engagement.
The service provided at the center is not legal advice but rather legal information—clarifying the state of immigration law and the options available. This distinction ensures that individuals are empowered with knowledge while maintaining the integrity of the service.
Filling a Critical Information Gap
The initiative was born out of a recognized lack of immigration law information in the area. “Our close collaboration with community actors allowed us to identify a significant information gap regarding immigration law in Parc-Extension,” stated Valérie Amiraux, Vice-Rector for Community and International Partnerships at Université de Montréal. “The involvement of the Faculty of Law demonstrates the power of university-community partnerships.”
A Passionate Team of Volunteers
The center is staffed by second- and third-year law students who volunteer their time and are supervised by five immigration lawyers, most of whom are Université de Montréal alumni and members of the Quebec Bar. The lawyers responded to a call from AQAADI in early January, enabling the center to launch its services in record time.
The student volunteers underwent specialized workshops outside of their regular curriculum, including ethics and professional conduct training, an immigration law refresher, and interview techniques. They are the first point of contact for visitors, providing essential information and guidance.

“They are dedicated, passionate, and eager to help,” said Aminata Bal, Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Law. “Many of them already had some experience in immigration law through other channels.”
To ensure accuracy and clarity, every consultation is followed by a summary prepared by the students and reviewed by a supervising lawyer. This approach allows clients to leave with a clear and well-structured understanding of their situation.
Starting in March, the center will also offer translation services in Punjabi, provided by students from the Faculty of Law, to further break down language barriers.
A Model for Broader Adoption
The choice of Parc-Extension for this pilot project was influenced by its proximity to the Université de Montréal’s MIL campus and the significant local demand for legal information. However, there are hopes to replicate this model in other neighborhoods facing similar challenges. “We are committed to responding effectively and appropriately to the realities on the ground,” emphasized Aminata Bal.
The Faculty of Law has a long history of community service, with a legal clinic in operation for over half a century. “We are pioneers in this field, offering legal advice and organizing community internships and a pro bono committee with over 150 students involved in various organizations,” explained Aminata Bal. “We want to continue in this direction to make justice more accessible. It can only benefit society as a whole.”
This new information center stands as a promising model of how academic institutions can leverage their expertise to address urgent community needs, bridging the gap between legal knowledge and the people who need it most.

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Montreal Police Seek Greater Diversity in Recruitment Effort

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has launched a recruitment initiative aimed at increasing diversity within its ranks, a move that could have particular significance for neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where multicultural representation in law enforcement has long been a subject of discussion.
The provincial program, AEC Diversité policière et profil social, is designed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds and those with expertise in social sciences. The initiative targets two main groups: individuals from underrepresented communities who hold a college diploma (DEC) or a bachelor’s degree, and graduates in social sciences whose knowledge could contribute to more community-focused policing.
Successful applicants will undergo a 30-week training program in policing techniques, followed by 15 weeks of patrol and law enforcement training at the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ). Upon completion, they will be eligible to join the SPVM, which offers more than 150 different career paths within law enforcement.
The effort reflects a broader trend within police forces across Canada to improve relations with ethnically diverse communities by hiring officers who can better understand cultural nuances, language barriers, and social challenges. In neighborhoods such as Parc-Extension, where many residents are immigrants or first-generation Canadians, interactions with police have often been marked by concerns over racial profiling and a lack of representation.
Community advocates have previously called for more officers with backgrounds that reflect the populations they serve, arguing that a more diverse force can improve trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public. The SPVM has acknowledged these concerns in the past and has introduced various measures aimed at strengthening ties with different communities.
With applications now open, the program presents an opportunity for those interested in law enforcement to step into a career that could help shape the future of policing in Montreal. Whether the initiative will lead to meaningful change in community relations remains to be seen, but the SPVM’s latest recruitment drive signals an acknowledgment of the importance of diversity in policing.

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