The Big Five Podcast More Montrealers using private security in their neighbourhoods. Plus: Canada’s border guards are looking for missing criminals.
Jul 30, 2025
Join Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator on legal and social issues, and Anne Lagace-Dowson, a sharp political analyst, as they dive into Montreal's growing reliance on private security due to rising crime rates. They discuss the implications of wealth disparities affecting community safety and tackle the alarming situation of nearly 600 foreign nationals with criminal records eluding deportation. The conversation also highlights the complexities of urban governance, illustrated by a recent historic building fire in the city.
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Neighbor Security Pooling Experience
- Tatiana Londono's neighborhood pooled money to hire private security after frequent robberies and home invasions.
- Their security included armed guards and attack dogs, providing peace of mind where police response was slow.
Inequality Drives Crime Rates
- Rising inequality correlates strongly with higher crime rates and social problems.
- Private security usage by wealthy neighborhoods may symbolize social divides and inequality impacts.
Issues With Deportee Detention
- Detaining foreign nationals slated for deportation in provincial prisons is problematic and challenged by rights groups.
- There is concern over missing deportees and the government's handling of these cases.