Vol. 76/No. 23      June 11, 2012

The massive action marked the 100th day of a movement of school boycotts and daily demonstrations by tens of thousands of university and cegep (junior college) students against the Quebec government’s decision to raise tuition threefold over the next seven years.

Solidarity actions were held the same day in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, New York and Paris.

Law 78, passed by a 68-48 vote, is in effect through July 1, 2013. It aims to end the student protests and school boycotts. Nearly a third of Quebec’s post-secondary school students have been taking part in the student strike.

The legislation suspends the school year at institutions affected by the strike. Organizers of demonstrations of more than 50 people must seek approval from police at least eight hours in advance. No one can contribute to delaying classes or denying access to them, and student associations must ensure their members carry out this policy.

The law imposes fines for violating its conditions—up to $5,000 for individuals, $7,000 for leaders and $125,000 for unions or student federations.

“The government is trying to create fear, take away freedom of expression and prevent any opposition,” student Louis-Sdem Pérot told the Militant before a May 18 protest march began in Quebec City, the day the law was adopted. Pérot attends Collège de Lévis, a private college near Quebec City, which is not on strike.

Presidents of Quebec’s three union federations held a joint press conference with student representatives that day to condemn the legislation. The Ontario Federation of Labour and other unions outside Quebec have condemned the repressive law and donated money to the main Quebec student federations.

More than 2,500 people have been arrested since the protests began, with a sharp increase since the adoption of Law 78. Daily protests involving thousands of students and supporters have been held here every evening.  
 
 
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