Higher Education Minister launches investigation into campus safety in Montreal
This comes after several student strikes were held in relation to the Israel-Hamas war across Quebec campuses.
The Higher Education Minister, Pascale Déry, has initiated an investigation into complaints regarding student conduct that could compromise the physical and psychological safety of students at Dawson College and Vanier College in Montreal.
This decision follows several student strikes across Quebec campuses linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. On November 21, Dawson College temporarily shut down its campus in response to one such student mobilization.
Minister Déry has invoked section 29 of the Act respecting general and vocational colleges, appointing officials to assess whether both institutions "have taken all measures at their disposal to guarantee the physical and psychological safety of students."
“The climate in some CEGEPs is becoming increasingly toxic. The situation is worsening, with a growing number of incidents. Students are reporting hateful speech, bullying, and fearing for their safety,” Déry stated in a recent post on the social platform X.
She highlighted that the ministry has received multiple reports indicating student discomfort and even insecurity on some campuses. Déry’s statement also referred to how tensions arising from the Middle East conflict have exacerbated the situation.
As of now, Dawson College, Vanier College, and Minister Déry’s office have not provided a response to requests for comment.
