More protests likely as Quebec tuition talks collapse

Quebec is bracing for social unrest after talks with the government to settle the tuition fee strike broke down and student organisations vowed massive demonstrations in response to the collapse, writes Rhéal Séguin for The Globe and Mail.

Four days of negotiations ended in an impasse last Thursday when Premier Jean Charest’s government refused to budge on its plan to increase tuition fees. It was likely the last chance for an immediate resolution to the social crisis that has gripped the province for almost four months. Charest appealed for calm and ruled out calling a snap election to settle the conflict.

A resolution had seemed possible at the outset of the talks, but after examining several proposals, both sides refused to yield. The government insisted on moving ahead with tuition fee hikes while students were adamant in their demand for a freeze or moratorium. The government also refused to suspend provisions in a law adopted two weeks ago that constrains public demonstrations.
Full report on The Globe and Mail site