The PGSS of McGill University announces its winter 2012 campaign to fight against the $1625 increase in tuition fees

MONTREAL, Jan. 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Post-Graduate Students' Society (PGSS) of McGill University launches its campaign against the increase in Quebec tuition fees. The increase of $1625 will represent a 75% increase in fees over 5 years, a number far higher than inflation alone. "When talking about tuition fees, it is important to understand the cumulative effects. Students also pay ancillary fees, which can represent up to 40% of the university bill", notices Mariève Isabel, PGSS VP External.

Since September 2011, PGSS has led an information campaign which included the distribution of information material (brochures, flyers, posters), open forum, and participation in "Teach-In", orientations in departments, and "Education Week". PGSS members also mobilized for November 10^th demonstration in Montreal, along with 30,000 students from across the province.

"Despite all of this, the government still hasn't moved on its position", says the VP External. "We will continue to let this government know why we oppose this measure and we will intensify our activities." The winter campaign will include more actions and workshops, such as writing letters to MNAs, launching research, conducting surveys and holding a conference about alternatives to raising tuition fees. The PGSS will also consult graduate students on the possibility of a one-day strike on March 22^nd.  "We hope to have a record number of graduate students present at this demonstration," concludes the VP External.

The Post-Graduate Students' Society (PGSS) is an organisation which offers support, advocacy and various services to over 8,000 graduate students at McGill University.

Mariève Isabel, Vice-president to external and governmental affairs,
PGSS│Tel.: [phone]│Email: [email protected].