MESRQ led by Liberal militants: FAÉCUM calls for condemnation of subterfuge by Minister Line Beauchamp

MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fédération des associations étudiantes du campus de l'Université de Montréal expressed dismay at the news that the Mouvement des étudiants socialement responsables du Québec (MESRQ) - supposedly made up of "neutral students" - is in fact led by Liberal militants, and called for Minister Line Beauchamp to condemn this subterfuge. "After discovering false Twitter accounts opened by Liberal militants and learning that the Minister bought student associations' names on Google and sent letters to professors asking them to cross picket lines, we now find out that a group of 'neutral students' is in fact led by militants belonging to her party! No more deception - that's enough!" proclaimed an outraged Stéfanie Tougas, FAÉCUM secretary general.

While this organization, headed up by the vice-president of CJPLQ-Montréal's political committee, tries to fool the Québec media through the use of public forums, FAÉCUM reiterated that it wishes to see debates about the student strike take place in a calm and honest atmosphere, with respect for divergent opinions. "We need to look at how some people with a hidden agenda are trying to depict student democracy at Université de Montréal," warned StéfanieTougas.

FAÉCUM believes that the Minister has a duty to speak out against Liberal militants who use tactics of this sort and whose aim is to deceive the media and all Quebecers. "The Minister should condemn this type of dishonest practice - otherwise, we will take her silence to mean encouragement of what they're doing. While we disagree with the drastic tuition fee hike she has announced, we want to express our agreement that this debate should be conducted without lying to Quebecers," asserted Stéfanie Tougas.

For over 35 years, the Fédération des associations étudiantes du campus de l'Université de Montréal (FAÉCUM) has been defending and promoting students' academic, political, social and economic rights and interests. Encompassing 82 student associations that represent 37,000 members, FAÉCUM is the largest student campus association in Quebec.

For further information:

Alexandre Ducharme
Political attaché, FAÉCUM
514 497-2602
www.faecum.qc.ca