thepublicstudio:

Statement of solidarity with the Québec student strike

As organizers, activists and members of marginalized communities we are well aware of our governments’ austerity agenda, directly attacking the working class and poor, women and children, disabled folk, racialized and Indigenous peoples and students. We know our governments are becoming less interested in the welfare of our society, as we continue to experience the effects of cuts to social services, community programs and, most recently, accessible education.

On May 22nd, 2012 more than 400,000 students took to the streets of Montréal to commemorate the 100-day mark of the movement for change spearheaded by students in Québec. As a vanguard in the struggle for accessible education, Québec has demonstrated to the rest of Canada that people power can and will change policies at the state-level. Students have been on strike and out on the streets for more than 100 days and continue to form larger and stronger contingents to demand accessible education for all.

The Public is proud to support the ongoing struggle of the Québec student movement. The call for accessible education also requires a direct critique of current government spending, on all its levels. The money is there; cuts to education are indicative of the state’s skewed priorities. Our communities have been put on the back-burner for long enough.

What started as a student strike to address student debt, the Québec student strike has now grown to a nation-wide movement against the criminalization of dissent. We believe in the power of direct action, and the right for students and supporters to protest and demonstrate in public.

We support the efforts of organizers and activists as they present clear demands around accessible education, environmental sustainability, financial transparency, an end to police brutality and the right to free speech. We will demonstrate in solidarity and wear our red squares with pride as we continue to connect our struggles and fuel this movement as it spreads nation-wide.

Here in Toronto, student unions, organizers and outraged communities have called for actions across the city. We invite you to join us at any of the following events, connect with us to learn more about the issues and ways to get involved or drop by the studio at any time to pick up your own red square.  

Events of interest in Toronto:

Pots and pans rally/noise demo
Wednesday May 30, 8pm at Dufferin Grove Park

Support rally
Tuesday June 5th, 8:30pm at Queen’s Park

Student Solidarity Network meeting
Thursday June 7th, 6:00pm (Location TBD)
*Add yourself to the Student Solidarity Network by emailing campaigns@cfsontario.ca

Nous irons jusqu’au bout,
The Public

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