Quebec students take to the streets with anti-Liberal message as election looms

MONTREAL – Thousands of Quebec students and their supporters are marching through the streets of Montreal today — with talk of a possible provincial election in the air.

Protests against the Quebec Liberal government’s tuition increases have calmed down during the summer months, but students say today’s turnout shows the movement hasn’t died out.

Some student leaders say tuition hikes are still the main issue but many people at the protest say they are concerned about a wider range of issues including the government’s environmental and economic policies.

It’s widely speculated that Premier Jean Charest could call an election Aug. 1 for an election date in early September.

The powerful student group CLASSE has promised it won’t support one particular party, but will work to make the Liberals don’t return to power.

Students have been holding major marches on the 22nd of every month since March — there are also protest marches scheduled for today in Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres.