On August 28, 2026, students and staff gathered outside the Lasalle College campus in Montreal to protest the school's continued closure after it filed for bankruptcy protection earlier in the week. The demonstration took place while the institution remained shut, and participants voiced concerns about the impact of the shutdown on their education and employment.
Lasalle College announced that it had entered bankruptcy protection and that it owed nearly $48 million to the provincial government. The filing triggered an immediate suspension of classes, leaving current students without access to coursework and staff without work assignments. The protest was organized by a coalition of students and employees who assembled at the main entrance of the campus, holding signs and expressing their frustration with the financial situation.
Provincial authorities have been informed of the college’s debt and the bankruptcy filing. While no official response was released at the time of the rally, the government is expected to review the situation given the sizable amount owed. The college’s financial difficulties have been linked to the $48 million liability, which represents the primary reason for seeking protection under the bankruptcy process.
The protest did not involve any reported incidents of violence or arrests. Police presence was noted, but officers did not intervene in the peaceful assembly. Organizers indicated that the rally would continue until the college provides a clear plan for resuming academic activities or addressing the outstanding debt.
The closure of Laselle College adds to a broader pattern of financial strain among post‑secondary institutions in Quebec. Stakeholders, including students, staff, and government officials, are awaiting further details on how the bankruptcy proceedings will be resolved and what measures will be taken to address the $48 million owed to the province.
The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the bankruptcy case progresses and as the provincial government determines its next steps regarding the indebted institution.