Quebec City Gears Up for Possible Protests

 
Thursday, April 19, 2001--Gates to the perimeter of Quebec City were closed today in anticipation of an estimated 10,000-20,000 protesters against free trade and the lack of civil society participation in the summit process. Posters for the Second Peoples' Summit decorate much of downtown and graffiti denounce the evils of capitalism and Cuba's exclusion from the meetings.

Local merchants and authorities have stepped up preparations in expectation of the protests. Businesses are boarding up store windows, security checkpoints are in place, surveillance helicopters make occasional sweeps, and an increased police presence is evident. A fence has been erected around the 3.8 km-area that is to be the center of activities during the three-day summit.

Vigilance has also increased at the Canadian border. The Toronto Globe and Mail reported that two Mexican students arriving to participate in weekend demonstrations were detained at the border after they aroused the suspicions of Canadian immigration officials. Another seven individuals have been detained, including a member of the army reserves and a Canadian Forces soldier in Montreal. Among the items seized from these individuals were smoke bombs, gas masks, slingshots, baseball bats, steel balls and antiglobalization literature. The primary charges against them include conspiracy to commit mischief likely to endanger life and the possession of explosive substantives with the intent to use them.

Some of the groups expected to demonstrate in force include Operation SaIAMI, a Montreal-based grass-roots organization whose aim is to criticize summit secrecy and speak out against the FTAA; La Convergence des Luttes Anticapitalistes, another Montreal group more specifically focused on the FTAA and disdain for capitalism; and La Red Mexicana de Acción Frente al Libre Comercio, composed of numerous Mexican unions, farmers, indigenous and environmental groups that advocate a leftist reform of trade policies. The Continental Direct Action Network, a coalition of US activist groups that organized many of the Seattle WTO protests, is present as well.

So far, Quebec City remains relatively calm but on guard. Canadian security officials have announced a low-tolerance policy toward protesters. Provincial Police Inspector Robert Poeti was quoted as saying, "We will have no tolerance for people coming to Quebec to cause problems and commit criminal acts." Sources report that approximately 6,000 police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with 1,200 armed forces personnel, customs agents and other forces, will be on alert and ready to respond.

Quebec appears to be prepared for any unrest that may occur, and with any luck the cold spring temperatures ( around 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit) will deter major outdoor demonstrations. But no matter what transpires over the next several days-and despite the Canadian government's efforts to maintain a positive public image-it will be difficult for the authorities to avoid criticism.