[antiwar-van] forwarding msg from qc student strike

[Harsha W.]

hi all i received this open letter on fb today with a specific request to
forward it to 'western canada' networks:


        Dear Comrades,

        As some of you may be aware there has been an ongoing student
strike in the province of Quebec. Comrades from across Canada and
eastern states have been visiting Montreal in support and
solidarity with the struggle. We have been witness to government
repression and police brutality evident in daily life. As the
summer months have been a time for rest, organizing and
preparation a call out has been made.

        We are requesting solidarity from comrades across Canada and
through the United States of America as schools begin to open here
in Quebec. The first school will be opening August 13th, it will
be a day to set precedence for the future of the strike, but more
importantly a day anticipating authoritarianism, tyranny and the
subjugation from government. There is an expected 1000+ picket
line of local students and residence to protect the doors of the
University, but help is very much needed. Beginning from August
13th a series of picket lines and strikes will be set up at the
affected schools in Quebec, but we will need help as well on
August 27th when UQAM opens, a school with over 150 doors to
guard.

        We will need comrades for the picket line and the resistance, but
as well for simpler things like preparing food, postering and
medical.

        As you should be aware, participating in the student strike in
Quebec is now illegal and classified as criminal, this also
applies to any discussion or organizing for the strike. This will
pose a legal risk to any comrades entering Quebec. That being
said, should comrades choose to help defend the picket line there
is also a risk of injury. As many students have suffered minor to
critical injuries during this strike we have lost numbers merely
through injury. All of that being stated; there is local legal
representation available as well as medical teams prepared for
such incidents.

        Although transportation to and from Quebec cannot be supplied,
housing and accommodation is available during your stay.

        I cannot emphasize the significance of this call out. I cannot
encourage you all enough to try your hardest to be here for these
days. We together need to defend the civil liberties, the
constitutional rights and the justices that have been robbed from
our Comrades. I truly believe this day will be a day not forgotten
in history.

        If interested in attending this strike and showing solidarity with
the Quebec people, I strongly encourage comrades to be in Montreal
for the 11th-12th as the picket line will begin the 13th early in
the morning. For more information, inquiries or interest you can
email: strikesolidarity2012 at gmail.com for further details.

        Please feel free to forward this call out on to other comrades
across Canada and encourage the solidarity far and wide. We have
been called in emergency for help; it now lies in our hands
whether or not we answer that call.


        In solidarity.




-- 
Harsha Walia

https://twitter.com/HarshaWalia
https://www.facebook.com/nooneisillegal
http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/author/dtes-power-women-group