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Criminalizing dissent became policy. On May 18, Quebec's Liberal government passed Bill 78. Provisions prohibit student protests or other "form(s) of gathering" within 50 meters of the "outer limits" of the "grounds" of any university or CEGEP (College of general and vocational education) building.
In Quebec, high school ends at grade 11. Completing CEGEP grades 12 and 13 are required for college or university admission. Doing it successfully earns them DECs (dioplomes d'etudes collegial).
CEGEPs also offer three-year programs in vocational studies, computer science, nursing, and other fields. With DEC credits, Bachelor's degrees can be completed in three years. Supporters and critics disagree on the system's merits or disadvantages. It's unique to Quebec.
Bill 78 also requires student associations, unions representing teachers, and CEBEP staff to "employ appropriate means to induce" compliance with enacted measures or face prosecution.
Article 9 authorizes the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports to modify any law to ensure school sessions throughout the bill's time frame.
All demonstrations exceeding 50 people were declared illegal without provincial police approval. Offenders face daily fines. A date for education employees to return to work was established.
Winter semester classes at 11 universities and 14 CEGEPs were suspended. Completing them by August or September was mandated. The law expires July 1, 2013. It's patently illegal.
The 1982 Constitution Act established the Constitution of Canada. It contains a bill of rights called The Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It states:
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