Student protest wave in Montreal: clashes with police and arrests of participants

March turns into riots

A major student demonstration took place in the centre of Montreal on 13 November. The action, which started peacefully, quickly took on an aggressive character. According to the Canadian news agency The Canadian Press, police detained three people.

Protesters took to the streets to express dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, insufficient funding for educational institutions, and deteriorating conditions for students. The organiser was the Coalition for Resistance and Student Union Unity (CRUES), which unites movements in the province of Quebec.

Dynamics of events

The demonstration began at Victoria Square. According to estimates by Le Journal de Montréal, at least 5,000 people participated. Participants moved through the streets with placards and slogans. The situation escalated at approximately 15:30 local time.

Part of the crowd began throwing stones, cans, and pyrotechnics at law enforcement officers. In response, police used tear gas and pepper spray. After this, the crowd split into several groups.

Consequences and official data

Montreal police recorded eight cases of damage to buildings and vehicles. Three people were detained on suspicion of assaulting police officers. One law enforcement officer was injured after falling from a bicycle.

This action marked the end of a province-wide student strike that lasted from 9 to 13 November. According to organisers, approximately 100,000 students in Quebec joined the strike.

Demands and government reaction

The main demands of the protesters are increased funding for colleges and universities, reform of the financial aid programme, payment for internships, and the end of the hiring freeze for teachers. CRUES representatives note that many young people have to combine studies with several jobs due to the high cost of housing rent and food.

The Quebec government condemned the property damage and attacks on police, but emphasised that student demands deserve attention and that the right to peaceful protest must be respected.

Criticism of police actions

Some journalists working on the scene reported excessive use of force. Correspondents from Le Journal de Montréal described cases where pepper spray was used against people who were not participating in the riots.

Police claim they did not receive reports of civilian injuries. Meanwhile, witnesses and media representatives reported people who required medical assistance after contact with irritants.

Student organisations do not rule out continuing actions. On 21 November, a discussion is planned regarding the possibility of declaring an indefinite general strike.