Many factors can contribute to youth radicalization: Quebec report

A new report finds there is no one reason why Canadian youth become radicalized to the point of wanting to join jihadist groups overseas.

READ MORE: Ralph Goodale: Canada must work to understand, combat radicalization

It lists a number of factors, including personal vulnerability, a search for belonging and manipulation by people on the outside.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Montreal’s anti-radicalization centre launched the study after several students from one of the city’s junior colleges left for Syria in early 2015, allegedly to join a terrorist group.

READ MORE: Aaron Driver: The terror attack suspect’s path to radicalization

The report says recruiters took advantage of the social climate at the time, including debates on reasonable accommodation and Quebec’s proposed charter of values, to make youth feel alienated from society.

The study includes a number of recommendations, including a strong role for schools in preventing radicalization.

READ MORE: Montreal filmmaker hopes teaching about genocide will discourage radicalization

It estimates that 130 to 250 Canadians, including 20 to 30 Quebecers, have gone to Syria since 2013.