QUEBEC CITY — You may have thought it was over, but Quebec’s Maple Spring lives on in the province’s court system.
Two students were in Superior Court Tuesday, trying to change a law that automatically registers students into a student union.
The “green squares” argued their union did not represent their views in 2012.
“When I saw people that were speaking in my name and these people were next to other people that were arguing for violence, arguing to break windows, to attack MNAs,” said Laval University student Miguaël Bergeron.
“Student unions shouldn’t take political decisions from people they do not have a mandate from.”
The business administration student told Justice Michèle Lacroix he pays $15 to the CADEUL every term, a student union he didn’t choose.
“Some people say it’s only 15 bucks, but I don’t think it’s normal that in a free society like Canada, I’m forced to endorse political positions taken by people I did not approve,” he said.
One of those “people” was also in court recently.
Former student leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois argued he acted on behalf of thousands of students opposed to tuition hikes when he allegedly encouraged protesters to block classrooms. He’s appealing a judge’s decision sentencing him to 120 days of community work.
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Meanwhile, Bergeron’s lawyer, Hans Mercier, insisted his clients should have the right to choose their union or form their own legally-recognized union if need be, especially now that students are renewing hostilities to fight the Liberal government’s austerity measures.
“These students that I represent do not want some association that has the support of a minority being able to talk for them just because of the fact of law,” Mercier said.
CADEUL President Caroline Aubry said she doesn’t think Bergeron and fellow “green square” Laurent Proulx have much of a case.
“Student associations are there for a reason and their role is essential,” she said.
“I’m surprised we’re talking about this because I don’t think it’s that controversial, I think it’s a made-up debate.”
Students will be back in court on Wednesday.
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