Que. students protest against tuition freeze lift

Students from across Quebec took to Montreal's streets Thursday to protest anticipated tuition fee hikes.

University and college students from a dozen institutions massed together downtown and blocked entrances to some schools as part of their day-long protest.

The protesters, who are members of the self-proclaimed radical group Association for Student Union Solidarity (ASSE), believe tuition should be free for everyone.

"Free tuition, I think that's possible. It's a choice of society. It's a question of priorities. It's a debate that has to take place in Quebec society now. We have the money to do it," said Mathieu Cousineau, executive member of the CEGEP St-Laurent Student Association.

Cousineau said students understand free post-secondary education may not beachievable in the short-term, but they'reconcerned the new Liberal minority government and opposition party Action Dmocratique du Qubec will fast-track plans to lift a longstanding freeze on tuition.

Premier Jean Charest promised before the election to lift freezes on tuition and increase rates by $100 a year.

The Liberal government should focus more of its energy on funding education and less on delivering tax cuts, Cousineau said.

Thursday's protest was just a taste of things to come, he added. ASSE is discussing a full-blown student strike next academic year.