February 11, 2005

Charest Ducks Confrontation on Education Cuts

The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca

Originally scheduled for a February 9th appearance at McGill University, Quebec Premier Jean Charest cancelled after a crowd of approximately 200 angry students attempted to confront him on his government's cuts to education.

Upon learning that Charest was not coming, the students crossed Sherbrooke street to his riding office, where they tried to deliver their message to the Premier directly. After a standoff between security guards and students, police arrived and removed a dozen protesters who were attempting to gain access to the building.

A statement the protest organizers had planned to read to Charest states that "While 40 per cent of Quebec students are in need of financial aid, Mr. Charest has cut $103 million from the loans and bursaries program, leading to a 62 per cent increase in student debt, which now on average exceeds $20,000."

The Premier was not available for comment.

Charest's Liberal government has also become unpopular with Quebecers at large as recent polls have shown disapproval climb to a peak of 68 per cent.

» CMAQ: Charest Fearful of Quebec Student Movement

» Montreal Gazette: What's wrong with Charest?