The pre-budget context at the provincial level and the precarious situation of community and popular education lead Alternatives to support the mobilizations underway in the social movements. The first meeting is from February 21 to 24, when community organizations across Quebec will be on strike. Then, the Red Hand coalition is organizing an action of visibility and awareness on the morning of March 14, to demand a better distribution of wealth. In parallel to these events, the Intercep group, which represents the six publicly funded popular education centers, is again campaigning for the survival of the centers.
Community strike across Quebec, February 21-24
All over Quebec, the community sector is participating in the four days of actions, strikes and rotating closures from February 21 to 24. Never before seen in Quebec. In Montreal, hundreds of people have already confirmed their participation in the action organized by the Front d’action communautaire autonome (FRACA Montreal). Community groups from all sectors are mobilized and will participate in the campaign in a variety of ways. Meet on Tuesday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Émilie-Gamelin Park (Berri metro) for a demonstration. For more information on the campaign.
Red Hand Coalition mobilizes for surprise action on March 14
At the last meeting of the Red Hand Coalition, it was decided to carry out a pre-budget action on March 14th at 9am. This activity aims at a structural reinvestment in public services and to better support the mission of community organizations. The underfunding of many social programs, particularly in the fight against poverty and homelessness and in social housing, is glaring. It is urgent to act. Alternatives signed and transmitted a letter prepared by the coalition in the context of this pre-budget campaign. The organization has renewed its commitment to contribute to popular mobilizations for a better distribution of wealth.
Let’s save popular education
The six Centres d’éducation populaire de Montréal, which have been housed for almost 50 years in buildings belonging to the Montreal school system, have once again taken out their signs and are campaigning on the theme We must save the CEP (Centres d’éducation populaire). Periodically threatened with closure, an agreement was reached in extremis at the end of the mandate of the Liberal government of Philippe Couillard, to ensure the temporary takeover of the buildings by the Ministry of Education and thus ensure the continuation of the activities of the six centers. The agreement expires on July 1, 2022.
Alternatives joins its voice to the organizations and networks in popular education to support these institutions whose mission is essential to fight against isolation, exclusion, and poverty. Alternatives has sent a letter asking Minister Roberge to conclude an agreement that ensures the continuation of the mission of these institutions by eliminating the sword of Damocles that has been hanging over them for too long. To support the CEP.
