Dear McGill community members, Â
Like many of you, I learned this morning that Montreal police (SPVM) had begun the dismantlement of the Square Victoria encampment. Â
I take this as an encouraging sign that the City of Montreal and SPVM are taking a serious approach to these illegal encampments – acting to apply the law and protect our communities. Â
While the Square Victoria encampment is being dismantled after less than two weeks, the encampment on our downtown campus has remained on lower field for more than two months. While hateful graffiti has been linked to the Square Victoria group, the encampment on our campus has spawned hateful and threatening graffiti on a multitude of occasions as well. The encampment further presents major safety risks including issues related to hygiene, security, and fire safety. Just yesterday, fire department officials attempted once again to conduct a safety inspection on the site. And once again, they were refused access by those guarding the entrance, in contravention of municipal by-laws. Â
In addition, the encampment here has been tied to the forceful occupation of a university building, has generated a range of intimidating and harassing behaviours on our campus, and is the site of a “revolutionary youth summer program,” advertised with disturbing images of masked individuals holding assault weapons. Â
Finally, the encampment on McGill’s campus is situated on private property. Its ongoing presence excludes members of the University community from access – save for those permitted entry by those who guard the site – and deprives us of use and enjoyment of the site. Â
Following this morning’s intervention, I have every expectation that the City and SPVM will remain consistent in their approach, and act swiftly to remove the encampment here as well. Â
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Deep Saini Â
President and Vice-Chancellor