Charest to use heavy artillery against Quebec protesters

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Premier Jean Charest has finally decided to end the demonstrations the tough way. Charest government was in talks with Quebec students for weeks but the negotiations were going nowhere. Thus, Charest has decided to use heavy artillery to disperse student protesters.

Where the decision was faced with harsh criticism from the students, the general public of Quebec seems hopeful. The Charest government passed controversial emergency legislation Friday as an attempt to make the streets of Quebec more peaceful.

According to a poll conducted by CROP, the general public appreciates the new legislation and demands peace in the province since the protesters have created havoc on the streets for months now. The majority, 68% of respondents, said they side with the government’s position to raise the fees, while 32% backed the students. Moreover, 66% acknowledge government’s emergency legislation while 34% are against it.

Education Minister Michelle Courchesne urges the protesters to be calm and peaceful. She says protesting is not against the law, but there is a way to voice your opinion.

“The right to protest is total. What we are saying is that spontaneity can also create excesses. Our responsibility is public security,” Courchesne said.

According to the new legislation, any individual or group that prevents others from attending classes can be fined up to $5,000 – penalties can range between $7,000 and $35,000 for a student leader and to between $25,000 and $125,000 for unions or student federations.