MONTREAL – A bylaw banning protesters from wearing masks during demonstrations in Montreal “without a valid excuse” has been passed at city hall.
Mayor Gerald Tremblay says the measure gives police the tools they have lacked until now to intervene and arrest troublemakers before violence and vandalism occur.
Tremblay made the announcement this afternoon.
The ban goes into effect tomorrow in a city that has seen hundreds of arrests and witnessed violent protests in the last few months.
Get breaking National news
The bylaw was passed as members of the Quebec legislature continued their debate on a controversial bill aimed at putting an end to student protests.
The legislation provides for fines of between $1,000 and $5,000 for any individual who prevents someone from entering an educational institution.
Penalties climb to between $7,000 and $35,000 for a student leader and to between $25,000 and $125,000 for unions or student federations.
Bill 78 also lays out strict regulations governing student demonstrations, including having to give eight hours notice for details such as the itinerary, the duration and the time at which they are being held.
A portion of the bill was amended today to increase the number of people allowed to participate in an organized gathering from 10 to 25.
A vote is expected to take place tonight. if passed, the bill would also pause the current academic session for striking students and have it resume in August.
Bill 78 should pass because the governing Liberals have a slim majority in the 125-seat national assembly.
At the heart of the crisis is the government’s plan to hike tuition fees over several years.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.