Montreal is set to expand its innovative social intervention program, the Équipe mobile de médiation et d’intervention sociale (EMMIS), to all 19 boroughs by 2025. Originally launched as a pilot project in the Ville-Marie borough in 2021, EMMIS has proven to be an effective tool in mediating crises in public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the homeless or those under the influence of substances. The expansion of this program signals Montreal’s commitment to addressing social issues through proactive and community-based approaches.
One of the neighborhoods that will soon benefit from EMMIS’s services is Parc-Extension, an area known for its vibrant cultural diversity but also for facing significant social challenges. Parc-Extension, with its high population density and diverse immigrant community, has been grappling with issues related to poverty, housing, and social exclusion. The deployment of EMMIS in this neighborhood is expected to provide much-needed support to its residents by addressing conflicts and crises in a non-police capacity.
The program’s expansion is part of a broader strategy by the City of Montreal to enhance public safety and community well-being without relying solely on law enforcement. EMMIS teams, consisting of trained social workers, will intervene in situations where police presence is not required, focusing on de-escalation and providing immediate assistance.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante emphasized the importance of this initiative during a recent press conference, highlighting the increasing presence of vulnerable populations and the need for a more systemic approach to social issues. While acknowledging that EMMIS is not a catch-all solution, she pointed out that it has become an essential part of the city’s efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all Montrealers.
As the program rolls out across the city, each borough will receive tailored services that reflect its unique realities. The success of EMMIS in its initial boroughs has been notable, with a significant increase in the number of calls for intervention—doubling from an average of four calls per day in 2023 to nine in 2024. This uptick in demand underscores the program’s relevance and the critical role it plays in supporting Montreal’s most vulnerable residents.
However, not all reactions to the expansion have been positive. The Réseau d’aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM) has expressed mixed feelings, praising the non-police nature of the intervention but criticizing the program for responding primarily to complaints from businesses and citizens rather than directly serving the needs of the homeless.
Despite these concerns, the expansion of EMMIS across Montreal, including into neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, represents a significant step forward in the city’s approach to social issues. With an increase in the number of social workers and the introduction of a dedicated phone line (211) for requesting interventions, the city hopes to build a more supportive and responsive social safety net.
As Montreal continues to evolve, initiatives like EMMIS will play a crucial role in ensuring that all communities, including those as diverse and dynamic as Parc-Extension, have access to the support they need to thrive.