CEGEP students are angry at the Minister of Higher Education who, despite the strike, still refuses to shorten the session, which will force many to cut the working hours they had counted on to raise money.
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“It’s shocking for us […] “We see a lack of consideration for students,” says Laurence Mallette-Léonard, president of the Fédération scolaire universitaire du Québec (FECQ).
Currently, teachers from all public CEGEPs are on strike until Thursday, as is the entire Common Front, which represents around 420,000 union members. Due to the additional strike days by state professionals, several CEGEPs will also be closed on Friday.
The FECQ had asked Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education, to authorize CEGEPs to shorten the autumn session so that they do not have to complete the mandatory 82 days. However, she closed the door on that option.
Several establishments have therefore drawn up a revised calendar that allows the session to be completed before December 23, but condensed into evenings, weekends and the week before Christmas. In some cases the activities could take place in early January.
Financial insecurity
However, at this point, many students had already planned to return to their families or travel. Many also wanted to work to raise money to cover living expenses.
“This resumption of classes risks financial uncertainty that could last throughout the next session,” warns Ms Mallette-Léonard.
At the Cégep de Sainte-Foy, the reorganization of the calendar was not very well received, admits Alexandre Bilodeau, mobilization coordinator of the Cégep de Sainte-Foy student association.
“There are some who shorten their vacation, who adapt. There are others who decide that it is more important to have a life outside of CEGEP and who cancel certain participations,” he reports.
“There were people who came to our premises to cry,” admits Aude Lavallée, president of the General Student Association of the Cégep de Sorel-Tracy, who at least had the opportunity to be consulted by the management at all stages of the calendar change.
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On a case by case basis
Fortunately, many students managed to reach agreements with their teachers to limit the consequences.
This is the case of Noémie Picard, 19, who studies at Cégep de Granby. Everything indicates that she will be able to travel to Florida and Costa Rica next week as planned.
However, there is confusion about many courses. She doesn't know if she has to take a virtual exam. She also has to take an exam by Friday midnight, but she still hasn't received any instructions, which worries her. “We don’t know which foot to dance on.”
Minister Déry's office confirms that the decision not to shorten the meeting will be maintained.
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