From my perspective, the freedom of peaceful assembly is one of the most important human rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Without the right to protest, the decisions of those in power would be the final say, even if they are not in citizens’ best interest. Recently, Quebec teachers took a stand against the conditions they, and their students, are facing within the education system. Comments that I heard extended from “ugh, not again” and “it’s always about the money.” Protests are often misunderstood and people lack context of their purpose. Those who are brave enough to take a stand are often fighting not for themselves, but for their families, the vulnerable, and future generations. I was recently accepted to do my Masters at Concordia University, once upon a time this wouldn’t have been possible; I think you get my point.
My Take: By Taylor McClure
