Quebec opposition says emergency law is a flop

Quebec's opposition partieshave taken aim at the Charest government for failing to restore order in the streets of Montreal, charging that itscontroversial emergency law, Bill 78,is not working.

From thenational assembly Tuesday, Liberal Premier Jean Charest implored protesters to obeythe new law,pleading for peace on the streets.

"The law is fair," said Charest. "The law is there to ensure social peace."

The special lawwas adopted last Friday, suspending the winteruniversity and collegesemester and imposing strict limits on student protests.Protest organizers are now required to submit theirplannedrouteto authorities in advance, or face heavy fines.

'The premier has lost control of the situation' Parti Qubcois leader Pauline Marois

The changes have drawn criticism from many, but Public Safety Minister Robert Dutil pointed out that many other cities in Canada, the U.S. and Europe have equally tough, or even tougher, rules for protest organizers.

Quebec's new law asks for eight hours notice ahead of a planned protest.

But opposition parties expressed frustration Tuesday. The Coalition Avenir Qubec supported the government's emergency education law, but after a weekend of increasing violence in Montreal, CAQ leader Franois Legault said Tuesday it hasn't worked.

"We gave him the tools that he asked for last Friday, and yet, all weekend, we saw what happened," said Legault. "I don't think the people in the streets are against the tuition hikes."

The Parti Qubcois, opposed to the emergency law from the start, said the legitimacy of the Charest government is now at stake.

"Quebec is torn apart, divided," said Pauline Marois. "The premier has lost control of the situation."

The opposition politicians' comments came as tens of thousands of people took to thestreets of Montrealto mark the 100th day of protests against the planned tuition fee hikes.

Education minister sees no return to talks

Education Minister Michelle Courchesne said she sympathizes with everyone who has to work in Montreal, particularly retailers and restaurant staff.

"I think it's really difficult," Courchese said. "What we want most is social peace,"

Courchesne said Monday night's relativelypeaceful demonstration showed protests can take place within the parameters of the new law.

Overnight Sunday and into Monday, atleast 300 peoplewere arrested and 20 were injured during protests in Montreal.

She said sheis confident that calm will return to Montreal's streets, howeverCourchesne isless certain about a return to negotiations with student leaders anytime soon especially with CLASSE openly calling for protesters to defy Bill 78.

"Once they are asking (people) to disobey laws and have that strong attitude regarding the respect of laws, I presuppose that they don't want to come back to the table," said Courchesne.