Quebec student group drops demand for free education as protests continue
Posted Apr 10, 2012 01:54:00 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MONTREAL – One of Quebec’s most active student-protest groups has softened its tone and is no longer demanding that university education be free for all.
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of students have taken to the streets almost daily against the province’s plans to hike tuition fees.
One of the most prominent student groups says it’s now calling for a tuition freeze, and has put off its demand for free education.
Students are fighting Quebec’s plan to raise tuition by nearly 75 per cent over five years, a jump that would still leave provincial tuition among the lowest in Canada.
The protesters call their resistance a matter of principle to protect universal access to affordable education.
Protest organizers also say they are planning a massive demonstration in Montreal for this Saturday, to mark the ninth anniversary of Jean Charest’s election as Quebec premier on April 14, 2003.
