The Legal Information Clinic is a new service provided by the CSU as of September 2007 to offer legal information and referrals to Concordia students.  You must make an appointment to speak with a volunteer by e-mailing legalclinic@csu.qc.ca or by calling 514-848-7474, ext.7375. 

Volunteer law students will provide you with legal information about:

•  immigration law
• consumer protection (problems you may have with a business that provided you with a service and/or sold you something)
• discrimination 

We can also assist you in all other areas of law.  We do not provide legal advice but can refer you to a lawyer if this is what you require.

URGENT: STUDENT DEMONSTRATION AGAINST TUITION HIKES- CONCORDIA STUDENTS WHO ARE STOPPED BY SECURITY GUARDS SHOULD CONTACT THE CSU LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC FOR HELP  (Please see statement below)

Monday:  1PM-5PM
Wednesday: 1PM-5PM
Thursday: 1PM-5PM 

Unfortunately, the CSU Legal Information Clinic is not able to offer you services at this time.

The GSA may be able to help. Please contact the Advocacy Manager at

E-mail: advocacy@gsaconcordia.ca
Phone: 514.848.2424 ext. 7900
or visit them at 2030 MacKay Street.

STUDENT DEMONSTRATION AGAINST TUITION HIKES:

CONCORDIA STUDENTS WHO ARE STOPPED BY SECURITY GUARDS SHOULD CONTACT THE CSU LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC FOR HELP

 For Immediate Release

 Montreal, April 19, 2012 --- Concordia students who believe that they have been unfairly stopped and interrogated by private security guards are encouraged to contact the CSU (Concordia Student Union) Legal Information Clinic for assistance.

 CSU officials have been made aware of cases in which Concordia students who participated in student demonstrations against tuition hikes, or who were perceived to be doing so, have been intercepted by university security guards on and near the campus.  Some have been detained and interrogated, and compelled to produce ID.

 The CSU reminds all Concordia students and visitors to university premises, that under provincial laws and regulations, private security guards have clearly defined powers and obligations, including the duty to conduct themselves with courtesy and professionalism and without abuse of power or discrimination.  They are also required to produce their permits when asked to identify themselves.

 Students and other visitors to Concordia also enjoy fundamental civil rights and liberties under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.   They are protected against racial profiling, or profiling based on prohibited grounds of discrimination such as age, social condition, political convictions and other violations of their right to free speech and peaceful assembly, as well as their right to the security and dignity of the person. The CSU suggests that when intercepted, detained and interrogated, all persons should:

 Remain calm and cooperative;

• Avoid any confrontational tones and gestures, as this could result in arrest and being charged with a criminal offense;
• Demand to know the grounds or motive of interception;
• Request to see the security guards’ permits and names;
• Note down, after the incident, all details related to the security guard (physical description, name, etc.), the date and time of the incident; the main thrust of the verbal exchange;
• Note down the names and coordinates of any witness who wishes to testify;
• When stopped and required to identify themselves, the persons need to know the motive or reason for such a request, and can refuse to provide their ID although this could result in their being removed from Concordia premises.

 Students and their friends who feel that they have been unfairly or illegally treated by security guards and who wish to take action to defend themselves or to file complaints with agencies such as the Quebec Human Rights Commission, should contact in writing or by phone:

 CSU Legal Information Clinic

Room H-731, 1455 de Maisonneuve West, Hall Building
514-848-7474, ext.7375

legalclinic@csu.qc.ca

 For more information, please contact Chad WALCOTT, VP External of Concordia Student Union, 514-848-7474, ext.8906 or 514-513-7494, external@csu.qc.ca