
In an audacious response to the recent proposed tuition hikes for out-of-doctrine and international students, 400 to 600 pupils from Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, vow to align their voice with the growing outrage. Come Monday, these students, loaded with conviction and resolve, will set their course to Montreal, all set to stage a large protest.
The mobilisation of Bishop’s students was confirmed by McGill University attendee, Alex O’Neill, one of the main organisers behind the protest. O’Neill shared this testament following a town-hall meeting on Wednesday night, where the student community congregated to streamline the course of action for the upcoming demonstration.
O’Neill expressed the urgent need of Bishop’s participation in the protest, emphasising the importance of everyone standing their ground. “The strength of our protest lies in our unity,” he said. The prime focus of the discussion veered towards access to education, with the student community zealously deliberating over rallying strategies.
The spark behind the demonstration fanned into a billowing flame after the provincial government’s announcement: Out-of-province and international students would now have to shell out more to pursue university education in Quebec.
As per the latest mandate from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, tuition costs for out-of-province students will see a significant surge – from $8,992 to $17,000 starting fall. International students can anticipate a minimum tuition fee of $20,000 with the additional revenue proposed for reinvestment in the French university system.
During the Wednesday congregation, the burning question of their continued activism in case the Quebec government rescinded its proposal was discussed. However, the resolve of the students remained unswerved. “We are ready for any scenario,” O’Neill assured.
Though the CAQ maintains that the tuition hike isn’t a linguistic attack targeting English speakers, it mentioned a commitment towards the preservation of French language, particularly in Montreal. It plans to do this by limiting the influx of students aiming to pursue their studies exclusively in English, and then leaving post-graduation.
Certain exemptions have been detailed: students covered by international agreements, namely France and Belgium, and those enrolled in medical courses or pursuing a PhD. However, the mandate will blanket all other undergraduate and graduate programs, including Master’s programs.
The upcoming protest, christened “blue fall protest,” is expected to witness a rallying march from thousands of students, in an unprecedented trek in the heart of Montreal – from Dorchester Square to the Roddick Gates of McGill University. The vast spectacle is set to commence at 1 p.m. and the power of student unity is expected to echo across the city.