QUEBEC — Quebec Premier Jean Charest on Friday proposed a six-point plan to settle Quebec's 11-week students' strike over tuition increases.
The plan would maintain the proposed $1,625 tuition hike, but would phase it in over seven years, rather than five, as was planned. The province has also suggested the creation of a council to ensure better management of Quebec's universities.
"It is a reasonable response," said Charest, calling on striking students to end their "boycott" of classes.
Education Minister Line Beauchamp said the hikes would cost 50 cents a day, appealing to student leaders to study the offer and submit it to their members.
Those leaders are expected to respond to the premier's announcement in Montreal later in the day and it's likely they'll say it does not address their demand for a tuition freeze.
On Thursday, Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay urged the Quebec government and student federations to settle their dispute saying city residents have had enough of almost daily demonstrations — a total of 165 since they began 11 weeks ago.
The Charest government's other proposals include:
- The government would add $39 million in bursaries and would improve the student loans program.
- To repay student loans, graduates would repay proportionate to their income.
- Periodic evaluations on the impact of the higher fees on access to university education.
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