Montreal student march turns violent as police fire tear gas and arrest three

On the fifth day of a province-wide student strike, a large march took place in downtown Montreal on Friday afternoon (Nov. 13). The march was organized by CRUES, the Coalition of Resistance for Student Union Unity, demanding paid internships, action on tuition and the cost of living, and an end to government austerity, along with more funding for higher education and reforms to student financial aid. Organizers said about 100,000 people took part in the movement over the week; CBC reported on Nov. 10 that about 70,000 CEGEP and university students were on strike that week.

Clashes after an hour of peaceful protest

The march gathered at Square Victoria in downtown Montreal in the afternoon and proceeded peacefully for about an hour before objects were thrown at police, prompting Montreal police (SPVM) to fire tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. CUTV / Local 514 reported that three people were arrested for allegedly assaulting officers (other reports put the number of arrests at four). Windows were smashed at the World Trade Centre building, and police said there were eight incidents of damage to buildings or vehicles across the downtown core; one officer was injured after falling from a bicycle, and police said no civilians were injured.

Vote on an unlimited general strike set for Nov. 21

Quebec officials said they recognize students’ right to mobilize and be heard, but not acts of vandalism. Student organizers will vote on Nov. 21 on whether to launch an unlimited general strike.

(Cover image is a file photo of a 2019 student strike march in Montreal. Photo: Montreal Serai / AJ Korkidakis.)