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liane Laberge says her first act as the new president forQuebec's federation of college students (FECQ) will be tore-establish communications with the government, after talks aimedat ending a months-long dispute over tuition hikes broke downThursday. "We hope that the government will regain contact with us and thatwe will find a solution that is appropriate for everyone," saidLaberge who is taking on the role of president of the FECQ onFriday. Negotiations collapsed after leaders of the student associationsrejected two offers from the government. Both proposals would see tuition rise to nearly $4,100 per year by2020, an increase of 70 per cent overall. Outgoing president L o Bureau-Blouin has been an active part ofthe fight against tuition hikes, joining forces with Quebec'suniversity students federation and CLASSE, the more militantstudent group, to argue for affordable post-secondary education. It s not easy to leave the federation and students I representin the midst of a crisis that is shaking the province, saidBureau-Blouin. Bureau-Blouin has served as FECQ president for two one-year terms.His last term ended Thursday at midnight. 'We hope that the government will regain contact with us and thatwe will find a solution for everyone.' liane Laberge, incoming FECQ president On Saturday, Bureau-Blouin said he was willing to compromise withthe government about the amount of a tuition hike. Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand said Thursday he wassurprised by Bureau-Blouin s stance on the increase. It s interesting, if he comes to the table with an open mindthat students should do their fair share, that s an interestingdevelopment, said Bachand. Laberge told a news conference on Friday that she believedmediation may be required in the negotiations to effectively reacha compromise. At a morning event in Vaudreuil, Premier Jean Charest says his doorremains open to working out a deal on tuition fee increases. He also mentioned the government has already made several offers toend the impasse on negotiations, but reiterated that a provincialelection in the next 18 months may be the best way to solve thestalling talks. Charest and Education Minister Michelle Courchesne both said theCLASSE had also specifically threatened to disrupt next week sMontreal Grand Prix auto race, but spokesperson GabrielNadeau-Dubois said those statements were made in jest. Montreal Mayor G rald Tremblay says he hopes talks between thestudents and the government will resume. He says Montreal is a "festive" city and that the city's reputationis at stake as the summer festival season gets underway. "I can't imagine that some people could put in jeopardy thesecurity of citizens," said Tremblay. He says security will be a priority ensure protesters are safe,that Montrealers can get around and take advantage of thefestivals, and that business owners also don't lose out. I am an expert from led-keychainlights.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Waterproof Phone Holder , Led Keychain Lights, Flexible Led Reading Light,and more.
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