On 13 November, mass student protests took place in Montreal, Canada, against the rising cost of living, insufficient funding for education and deteriorating learning conditions. The demonstration, which began peacefully, escalated into clashes with the police. Law enforcement officers used tear gas and pepper spray, whilst some protesters threw stones and other objects at them. According to the latest reports from the Canadian news agency The Canadian Press, the police arrested three people.
Briefly about the main points
- In Montreal, thousands of students protested against the high cost of living and cuts to education funding.
- The demonstration turned into clashes, and the police used tear gas.
- Buildings and cars have been damaged in the city centre, and three people have been arrested.
- Students are calling for reforms to financial support and paid work placements.
Students clashed with the police in the centre of Montreal
A mass demonstration began in Victoria Square in the centre of Montreal. It was organised by the Coalition for Resistance and Student Union Unity (CRUES), which brings together student movements across the province of Quebec.
According to Le Journal de Montréal, At least 5,000 people took part in the demonstration. At first, the demonstrators marched through the city streets carrying placards and chanting slogans, but at around 15:30 local time, the situation escalated.
Some of the protesters began throwing stones, tin cans and fireworks at the police. The police used tear gas, after which the crowd split into several groups.
According to the Montreal police, eight incidents of damage to buildings and cars have been reported. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of attacking police officers. One police officer was injured after falling off his bicycle.
Students are calling for more affordable education and support from the government
The protests marked the culmination of a province-wide student strike, which took place from 9 to 13 November. According to the organisers’ estimates, around 100,000 students in Quebec took part.
The participants are protesting against cuts to public spending on education, as well as the high cost of rent and food. According to CRUES representatives, many young people are forced to juggle their studies with several jobs in order to cover their day-to-day expenses.
Student organisations are calling for increased funding for colleges and universities, reform of the financial aid scheme, paid work placements and an end to the hiring freeze for teaching staff.
Violence during a demonstration has been criticised in Canada
Following the clashes, Quebec authorities condemned the damage to property and the attacks on law enforcement officers. At the same time, they emphasised that the students’ demands deserve consideration and that the right to peaceful protest must be respected.
Some journalists working at the scene reported that the police had used excessive force. In particular, correspondents from *Le Journal de Montréal* described instances of pepper spray being used against people who were not involved in the disturbances.
The police stated that they had not received any reports of civilians being injured. At the same time, eyewitnesses and media representatives reported that some people required assistance following the use of irritant substances.
Student organisations have not ruled out continuing the protests. A discussion on the possibility of an indefinite general strike is scheduled for 21 November.
