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Jefferson said, "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive."
Bill 78 violates Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. So does a newly passed Montreal City Council ordinance criminalizing face paint, niqads, and other face or head coverings while demonstrating.
On May 22, it was invoked. Baton-wielding police confronted downtown Montreal protesters violently.
Tear gas was used. Dozens were arrested. Charges claimed protesters wore illegal masks and/or confronted police violently.
On May 21, confrontations occurred in Sherbrooke. It's Quebec Premier Jean Charest's home city. Dozens of arrests followed. Charges included demonstrating illegally.
A Final Comment
Student anger shows no signs of ebbing. Social justice rights are too important to sacrifice. Affordable education is vital. Resolution is nowhere in sight. Quebec officials are determined to force-feed austerity. They include stiff annual tuition and fee hikes.
Students are on their own. Union officials sold out to power. Who knows where this ends. Hopefully working Canadians will join them. Social justice includes more than affordable education.
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