Student protests revive debate over Quebec independence

[Brave7]

Hundreds of students were arrested in Quebec this week as the protests that have gripped the francophone region for over three months turned violent. As the movement grows, it is breathing life into the contentious issue of independence for Quebec.

When thousands gathered in Montreal this week to commemorate 100 days of student protests events soon turned ugly.

As the day wore on, demonstrators began hurling rocks at riot police who in return charged at protesters. Hundreds were arrested.

Despite the best efforts of Quebec Premier Jean Charest to quell the ongoing unrest, it was clear the movement was gaining momentum.

What had started as a student protest against a projected 82 percent hike in university tuition fees back in February has escalated into a popular movement, bringing together anti-capitalists and environmentalists under the same umbrella.

The protests, which have been backed by the separatist Quebecois Party (PQ), have also given a much needed boost to the independence movement in the predominantly French speaking region.

http://www.france24.com/en/20120524-...s-jean-charest

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82% hike on tuition fees?

Perhaps our Canadian friends could tell us what's going on over there. Ah the casserole for the manifestation is a great tool

[gracemary]

Education today is no longer a right but a privilege.Educational institutions in most countries are deregulated which means they can increase school fees at will.In a democratic country like Canada,well settled is the rule that no law should be passed abridging the freedom of the speech,of expression,or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and petition the government for redress of grievances.The students are merely exercising their right but instead the government of Canada proposed a bill to suppress that right.Well, its really hard to balance the legitimate right of schools as a business to exist and the legitimate right of students to affordable education.82% increase in tuition or school fees to me is unacceptable.

[Brave7]

Originally Posted by gracemary

Education today is no longer a right but a privilege.Educational institutions in most countries are deregulated which means they can increase school fees at will.In a democratic country like Canada,well settled is the rule that no law should be passed abridging the freedom of the speech,of expression,or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and petition the government for redress of grievances.The students are merely exercising their right but instead the government of Canada proposed a bill to suppress that right.Well, its really hard to balance the legitimate right of schools as a business to exist and the legitimate right of students to affordable education.82% increase in tuition or school fees to me is unacceptable.

I fully understand and have a full compassion with the protestors.

I cannot imagine that on day they will remove in France the right to strike or protest in the streets or they wouldn't be French anymore