More than 7,000 engineering students at Montreal’s Polytechnique are gearing up for a strike next week in response to the university’s decision to gradually eliminate grants aimed at easing education expenses. These grants, which have been available since 2014 to help with costs related to mandatory internships, will be phased out by the 2027 winter semester.
According to Gabriel Comby, the president of the student union, over 700 students voted in favor of the strike, scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26. The university estimates that local students will face an additional $572 in fees once the grants are completely removed, while out-of-province students will see an increase of about $1,856.
Comby criticized the university for shifting financial burdens onto students, especially considering that many of them already rely on financial aid. The move has sparked outrage among the student body, who feel that their access to education is being compromised.
