Hundreds of protesters marched from Cabot Square in downtown Montreal, to the site of the ongoing education summit at l'Arsenal in Griffintown.

Many of the demonstrators denounce the education summit as an elaborate PR stunt. Others are upset the PQ government is refusing to talk about the idea of free university education.

"Basically two hours of blah-blah and then (Quebec Premier Pauline) Marois says what she's going to do," said protester Christine Lambert. "Which was already planned in advance."

Lines of police kept the demonstrators from getting near the summit site.

The protest then moved downtown reminding many of last springs wave of student unrest.

"It just brings back so many bad memories that should never have happen," said downtown restaurant worker Jack Grimaudo.

Police made one arrest, for armed assault against a police officer. Two protesters were issued tickets for municipal by-law infractions.  

The radical ASSÉ student group, which supports the idea of free education, is boycotting the summit.

This demo is a prelude to a larger one that ASSÉ is planning for Tuesday in downtown Montreal.

Photos: Kevin Gallagher and Michel Boyer