Quebec students signal they could be ready to compromise on tuition hikes

MONTREAL—Quebec student leaders are signalling they may be ready to compromise on the core of their dispute with the government — the province’s plan to raise tuition.

Leaders of the province’s three main student associations could meet the province’s education minister as early as Monday.

Martine Desjardins, a leader for one of the groups, says both sides must be prepared to compromise for the crisis to come to an end.

Another student leader, Leo Bureau-Blouin, made headlines Saturday when he told CBC Radio he would be willing to accept some form of tuition increase.

Bureau-Blouin tried to clarify in an interview later in the day, saying the students are willing to make adjustments if the government is prepared to do so as well.

The comments come as Quebec’s controversial emergency law designed to put an end to student protests came under more criticism — this time from Amnesty International.

The human-rights organization said the legislation violates freedoms of speech, assembly and movement in breach of Canada’s international obligations.

“Bill 78 is an affront to basic freedoms that goes far beyond what is permissible under provincial, national or international human rights laws,” Amnesty spokesman Javier Zuniga said in a statement.

“It is unreasonable and unacceptable to require citizens to apply to the authorities in advance any time they wish to exercise a basic human right. Quebec’s national assembly should rescind this restrictive law immediately.”

The organization first became involved in the conflict in April, when it expressed concern over the tuition increases and called on the government to tone down police measures.

Original Article
Source: the star
Author: CP