Another big protest in Quebec — but can the students keep it up?

MONTREAL – Large daytime protests are being held in Quebec today, just as they have for each of the last four months, on the 22nd of each month.

Thousands of people are marching in Montreal and Quebec City.

But the crowds are noticeably smaller than in the past.

There are also smaller crowds at night-time marches, held every evening, and the student protests have been getting less media attention in recent days. Even Opposition Leader Pauline Marois has stopped wearing her red lapel square, the symbol of the protest movement.

But protesters and their supporters warn that this is only a prelude, in anticipation of two upcoming dates: the return to school planned in August and, possibly, a September provincial election.

Quebec solidaire MNA Amir Khadir, the only elected political leader still wearing the red square, says the students are getting some much-needed rest before the next big battles.

“Anyone counting on the movement running out of steam is making a mistake,” Khadir told reporters in Montreal.

“Everyone taking a break today is doing it to bounce back stronger in August and September.”