Quebec students, government to resume negotiations over tuition increases

MONTREAL—Quebec students and the provincial government will return to the bargaining table on Monday in an attempt to put an end to a months-long dispute over tuition fees.

Representatives from the province’s four largest student associations will meet with the province’s education minister in Quebec City.

Some student leaders have indicated they could be prepared to compromise on the government’s planned tuition hikes.

Martine Desjardins, the head of one student group, says the government could be ready to bend a little as well after months of protests.

The latestround of negotiations comes as Montreal’s peak tourist season is fast approaching.

Tourism and business groups have expressed concern the nightly demonstrations could keep visitors away.

Some students have called for a tuition freeze but the Charest government has ruled out that possibility.

The government originally announced it would hike tuition fees by $325 a year over five years, beginning this coming September.

It later offered to spread the hikes over seven years, which works out to annual increases of about $254, and to cut some other fees.

Original Article
Source: the star
Author: Benjamin Shingler