Students in Ontario are showing their support for those protesting in Quebec and say they are vowing to fight tuition fees in this province.

Nora Loreto, with Ontario’s branch of the Canadian Federation of Students, said they are also condemning the laws in Quebec that are limiting the freedom of expression by students.

Quebec students have been demonstrating for more than 100 days.

In an attempt to end the dispute before tourist season kicks into high gear, Quebec Premier Jean Charest is bringing in his former chief of staff Daniel Gagnier to help with negotiations.
    
There have been hundreds of arrests since the demonstrations first began.

Loreto told 680News students here are frustrated with paying sky-high fees for their education.

“Ontario students, because we are inspired by what’s happening in Quebec, are renewing our demand to build a fighting student movement in Ontario,” she said.

Loreto says things have to change.

“Enough is enough. Our tuition fees are too high and we will do whatever it takes to convince this government to start reducing them.”

She said it’s time for the Ontario government to stand up for students.

“If McGuinty wants to be taken seriously as the education premier, or if the Conservative or NDP want to stand up for the people that have given them the balance of power, we need to see real efforts undertaken in this province to reduce tuition fees. “

Earlier this week, Jim Turk with the Canadian Association of University Teachers, said the Quebec protest lays the groundwork for the movement to expand.

“I think there are going to be discussions in student organizations and in families across this country in light of what is happening in Quebec and that will turn to what’s happened in their own province and whether that is justified or not,” Turk explained.

Turk said the movement has forced students across the country to look at their own situations, which are generally much worse than Quebec’s

“Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia have dramatically, over the last decade, increased their tuition fees so it’s as high as $6,000 and that’s just tuition. Then students have to pay auxiliary fees, pay for books, room and board etc,” he explained.

Turk believes the progress made in Quebec will influence others to take a similar stand to try and stop the rising fees.

He added that the rising cost of tuition has lasting effects on students financially.

“The problems are getting to a point in other provinces where students are graduating with massive debts and those who go on in professional schools — in medicine or dentistry — have extraordinary debts.”

The Canadian Federation of Students said it will be a big topic of discussion at the groups annual general meeting at the end of May.