Fact file: Bill 78

MONTREAL – Aimed at cracking down on student protests, Bill 78 is an emergency law, or “loi spéciale,” adopted after 20 hours of debate on May 18 by the Quebec National Assembly.

Student groups, labour federations, the Quebec Bar Association and Quebec Human Rights Commission, as well as a range of other organizations claim the law is unconstitutional and a violation of basic rights and freedoms.

So what is the law?
The main points are outlined here:

• Winter and summer sessions are suspended for those university faculties and CEGEPs still on strike

• Organizers of demonstrations over 50 people are required to provide an itinerary includes the date, time, and proposed march route to police for approval at least eight hours before the start of the protest

• Failure to do so means the demonstration is illegal

• Protests, strikes and gatherings are banned from taking place less than 50 metres from the outer limits of school or university property

• Those who contravene the law could be fined – up to $5000 for a student, $125,000 for a student organization and $35,000 for its leader – and fines will be doubled for a second offence

• The Education Minister can revoke student association fees if it’s judged that they are infringing the law

• Student and professional associations will be considered responsible for damages caused by their members

• Those who incite others to take part in an illegal demonstration will be treated as if they participated

• All teachers and other professional employees must return to work and will be prohibited from striking if it prevents students from attending class or receiving instruction

• The law is in effect until July 1, 2013