I am sure none of you are unaware of what’s going on in the east side of the country. Strikes! One of the largest student organizations of students in Quebec, CLASSE, has been in the streets since March. These Québécois students are angry about the tuition fee hike.
CLASSE, one of the biggest student groups is making headlines with stunts like blocking streets and banging pots from balconies. The group is led by Gabriel Nadeau–Dubois. He was born in Montreal and is a 21-year-old “leader.” He has been given the credit of unifying and motivating students to stand up for themselves in Quebec. But I believe that he has inspired many more well beyond Quebec as well.
In 1990, when Robert Bourassa’s Liberal government increased tuition from $500 to $1,600 — a $280 annual hike over four years — thousands of students hit the streets. The government took no notice of it. The protests increased, and in 1996, Education Minister Pauline Marois proposed to implement 30 per cent fee hike! Due to protests, tuition fee freeze was reinstated by the government. Well, the government should be able to fund its universities, especially when they receive federal government findings to promote the French language, and Canada’s students look upon Quebec for French education.
In 2007, the Liberal government announced a $500 tuition fee increase over the five year period, which brings us to 2012. Looks like this time, frustration has driven the students to finally not step down by being conditioned (and not receive what they actually struggled for).
It all started out with CLASSE, but along the way many other groups joined as well. Supporters have joined the protests not only to stop the fee increase, but some of them just want to challenge the Bill 78. Bill 78 states that protesters must give an eight hour notice to police and follow the route. All the protestors together are demanding “Stop Hike.”
Now the students can be heard in the streets, near major places; they are everywhere! Newspaper, TV, radio, magazines, etc. Gabriel Nadeau–Dubois has done his job as a leader very well.
Read more about CLASSE: http://www.bloquonslahausse.com/la-classe/ (English version available)
Read more about Gabriel Nadeau–Dubois: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/charismatic-quebec-student-spokesman-in-a-tough-position/article2430686/
