True North: Strong, But Maybe Not Quite So Free

By Zamboni

We cats are getting ready for what we're sure will be a memorable trip to Montreal. With Quebec students' anti-tuition-hike protests showing no end in sight, a week ago today the provincial government passed harsh legislation restricting les manifestations — or, at least, the manifs that the police don't approve eight hours in advance. Ridiculous, non?

It's pretty clear to us that the government is losing this fight. Yes, some of the demonstrations have gotten out of hand, and yes, the city stands to lose some tourist business with the summer festivals fast approaching. But when you overreach like they have, not only do the people respond by sending 150,000 into the streets — what are the cops doing to do, arrest them all? — but they end up taking you to court.

We cats can only hope that the law will be struck down as contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which we firmly believe it is. In the meantime, we're planning to avoid as many melees as possible. And if we run into Jean Charest anywhere, we'll HISS and arch our backs. Jean, take it from us: These students aren't the FLQ. This isn't October 1970, and you've blown it — big time.