Thursday, May 17, 2012

Quebec's striking students

I've read more about our striking students then most. Some commentary from across Canada is purely vitriolic. Some comment that the Quebecois are just a bunch of whiners and spoiled brats. That this whole distinct society is being payed by the rest of Canada.I find that comment interesting as Quebecois like other Canadians pay their taxes. It amazes me when other Canadians suggest we stop transfer payments to Quebec because of the students strike.

Perhaps there is no such thing as free education in North America and we all know Quebec has the less costly education, however it doesn't mean that scolarity fees need to increase by 82%.  There are countries in this world that offer free education even at the University level. The nordic countries, like Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark have free education, in some cases even for students not from their country!  There's also Greece, Brasil, the UAE, Sri Lanka and the list goes on. 

One thing that came out of Quebec's Revolution Tranquille was  some of the lowest university fees in North America, including mostly free CEGEP education.  The ultimate goal was free education.  Just because the rest of North America has a different stance, doesn't mean Quebec students should change their perspective or aspirations.

One article I read yesterday, I found interesting, he suggests students shouldn't be protesting about the fees, but about the quality of the education they receive. That quality education includes degrees that will generate jobs at the end of the line. Many liberal arts degrees tend to send you to a McJob.

Personally I have no problems with the striking students. I have a problem with the minority who feels the need to break things and attack people.  I'm all for peaceful protests and support those students peacefully protesting.

However those who break things downtown should be arrested like any other vandal, just cause or not.  What gives you the right to break other people's property to make a point?

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