I am a neurodivergent individual living in Montreal, a city I love but where I've experienced negative interactions with police. This issue doesn't only affect me. Recently, a man named Abisay Cruz lost his life here following an operation by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), marking the second death in less than 12 hours over one weekend. Regrettably, Cruz's tragedy is not an isolated incident; it's clear that the police's handling of neurodivergent individuals is contributing to a dangerous environment.

Cruz was reported to be a person in crisis during a call to 911, according to initial information from Quebec's police watchdog, known as BEI. Policemen arrived, an altercation ensued, and Cruz was later restrained. Sadly, he didn't survive. The frequency of such incidents is deeply worrying and calls for immediate action and reform.

We need revised protocols and mandatory specialized training for police when interacting with neurodivergent individuals. This is to ensure that no one else has to face what Abisay or many others like him went through. Neurodivergent individuals deserve safety and respect, and police officers must learn to diffuse situations without resorting to force.

The best solution is to develop a non police option for neurodivergent people in crisis.  Toronto has a Community Crisis Service that is run solely by civilians, many of whom are neurodivergent themselves.

This is a call for justice and accountability. Action today will save lives tomorrow. Please sign this petition to demand change for the fair treatment of all neurodivergent individuals in Montreal by our police force.