Bill 78: A direct attack against civil liberties in Quebec
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is speaking out against Bill 78 which restricts the freedom of expression and association of all students and citizens of Quebec.
■ This bill violates democratic traditions both in Quebec and Canada. Premier Charest will only succeed in aggravating the situation, by provoking students and their allies who oppose tuition fee hikes.
■ The Bill violates the fundamental rights of Quebec citizens to peaceful public demonstration and to free association. The Bill will prevent all well-intentioned citizens from participating in demonstrations for fear of committing an illegal act. Bill 78 will effectively make every protestor legally responsible for illegal acts committed by a small number of individuals during a legitimate protest. This approach in no way resolves the crisis but rather inflames an already tense situation throughout Québec.
■ As well, Bill 78 abolishes any presumption of innocence afforded to citizens and thus violates the right to due process. Under Bill 78, if criminal acts are committed by individuals during legal demonstrations, organizers will be presumed guilty of those offences. In other words, protest organizers will have to prove their innocence before a court of law.
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