As the temperature rises: ever so slightly: and the March sun finally starts to show some teeth, the streets of Montreal aren't just seeing the return of outdoor terrace dreams and melting slush. Yesterday, the city witnessed a vibrant sea of crimson as the "carrés rouges" officially made their comeback. Over 1,000 students flooded the downtown core, marching from Dorchester Square in a high-energy demonstration that proved the spirit of student activism in Quebec is as loud and proud as ever.
If you’ve been living in Montreal for a while, you know the sight of the red square. It’s more than just a piece of felt; it’s a symbol of the "Printemps Érable" and a deep-seated tradition of fighting for accessible education. This week, that symbol was everywhere as a massive weeklong strike involving 65,000 students across the province culminated in a downtown march that stopped traffic and turned heads.
A Vibrant Display of Resistance at Dorchester Square
The energy at Dorchester Square yesterday afternoon was nothing short of an extravaganza of activism. By 1:00 PM, the park was packed. From students wrapped in flags to seasoned activists who remember the 2012 strikes, the crowd was a diverse mix of voices united by one major frustration: the Quebec government’s current stance on financial aid and education funding.
Trumpets blared, drums echoed off the surrounding skyscrapers, and surprisingly, even bagpipes joined the fray, creating a world-class soundtrack for a movement that refuse to be ignored. While the atmosphere felt celebratory in its unity, the message was heavy. The Coalition de résistance pour l'unité étudiante syndicale (CRUES) didn't mince words when describing the current state of affairs for the average student in 2026.
Montreal is a city known for its "joie de vivre," but it’s hard to stay joyful when you’re choosing between buying textbooks or paying for a Metro pass. As we keep an eye on the latest news in the city, the student struggle is quickly becoming the main character of the spring season.
Why the Red Squares are Back: The Cost of Living Crisis
So, why are the students so fed up? It’s not just about tuition hikes this time: it’s about survival. CRUES coordinator Elki Mercier put it bluntly during the march: students are struggling just to eat and find a place to live.
Think about it: Montreal’s rent prices have skyrocketed over the last few years. What used to be an affordable city for creators and students is becoming a playground for high-end condos. Pair that with the fact that student bursaries and financial aid haven't seen a significant update since 1986, and you’ve got a recipe for a crisis. It’s wild to think that while everything from a bag of milk to a studio apartment has tripled or quadrupled in price, the support systems for our future workforce are stuck in the mid-80s.
The students are calling for a complete reform of the student bursary system. They aren't just asking for a few extra dollars; they are demanding a system that reflects the reality of 2026 inflation. It’s a "stress-free" education they are after: or at least one where the stress comes from exams, not from wondering if their grocery budget will last until Friday.
Crumbling Infrastructure: "It looks like a mental hospital"
The protest also highlighted a darker side of the Quebec education system: the physical state of our schools. It’s one thing to read about budget cuts, but it’s another thing to sit in a classroom where the ceiling is leaking.
Daphné Lussier, a student from Saint-Laurent CEGEP, didn’t hold back when describing her campus. She noted that some parts of the school infrastructure have deteriorated so much that they look more like a "mental hospital" than a place of higher learning. Naïma Le Nédic, another internal coordinator for CRUES, emphasized that hiring freezes are gutting student services. When services are cut and buildings are left to rot, the quality of education drops, regardless of how "world-class" our universities claim to be.
We often look at our city’s architecture with pride, but the "spirit" of our schools needs more than just a fresh coat of paint. It needs a major re-investment. While we love covering the vibrant events and the magic of Montreal, it’s important to acknowledge when the foundation of our community: our students: is starting to crack.
A Week of Action: 65,000 Students Strong
This march wasn't a one-off event. It was the grand finale of a weeklong strike that saw 65,000 students across Quebec walk out of their classes. From the halls of UQAM to the campuses of Sherbrooke and beyond, the movement has been building momentum for months.
For many of these students, the strike is the only way to get the CAQ government to listen. The "carré rouge" isn't just a fashion statement; it's a warning. In 2012, this movement toppled governments and changed the political landscape of Quebec. While the scale isn't quite at the "Printemps Érable" levels yet, the passion is definitely there.
Walking through the crowd, you could feel that "everyone is part of this" vibe. Even locals heading to lunch stopped to clap or film the procession. There’s a communal pride in seeing young people stand up for their rights, especially in a city that has such a rich history of social movements.
Navigating the City During the Strikes
If you were trying to get anywhere in the downtown core yesterday, you probably noticed the gridlock. The march moved from Dorchester Square, snaking through the business district and making its presence known. While traffic was a mess, the "things to do" in the city yesterday were clearly centered around the protest.
For those of us not on strike, it’s a good reminder to stay patient. These movements are part of the fabric of Montreal. Whether it’s a parade, a marathon, or a massive student protest, our streets are meant to be lived in, not just driven on. If you want to see what else is happening around town this weekend: hopefully with fewer road closures: check out our guide to things to do.
What’s Next for the Movement?
The big question now is: will the government budge? So far, the response from Quebec City has been lukewarm. But with 65,000 students fired up and the iconic red squares pinned back onto jackets across the province, the pressure is mounting.
The students have made their demands clear:
- An immediate increase and indexation of financial aid.
- An end to hiring freezes in post-secondary institutions.
- A massive reinvestment in campus infrastructure.
- Recognition of the rising cost of living for students.
It’s a tall order, but as Montrealers, we know that nothing gets done in this province without a little (or a lot) of noise.
In the meantime, the student unions are heading back to the drawing board to plan their next moves. If the government continues to play hardball, don't be surprised if the "Carrés Rouges" become a permanent fixture of our spring wardrobe this year.
Support Local, Stay Informed
While we wait to see how the political drama unfolds, there are plenty of ways to support the local community. Whether you're a student looking for a deal or a local resident wanting to show some love to Montreal businesses, you can always check out our shop for ways to save while exploring the city.
Montreal is a city that thrives on its energy: the "magic" of its people and the "vibrant" nature of its streets. Yesterday’s protest was just another chapter in our city’s long history of standing up for what matters.
As we approach the warmer months, let’s hope for a resolution that keeps our students in the classrooms and out of financial hardship. But until then, keep those red squares handy. On lâche pas!
What do you think about the return of the red squares? Is it time for a major overhaul of the student aid system, or is the government right to hold the line? Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned to MTL365 for more updates on this story as it develops.
