On December 6th, 1989, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, ammunition and knives, Marc Lepine walked through l’École Polytechnique in Montreal, separated the men from the women, and then proceeded to shoot and kill 14 women while making anti-woman statements.

Thirteen others were wounded. Lepine, who eventually shot and killed himself, had applied for admission to the school and was rejected. In the suicide note he left behind, Lepine indicated that he saw feminists as being responsible for everything that had gone wrong in his life.

December 6, 2007, marks the 18th anniversary of what came to be known as the Montreal Massacre. Events are held throughout the country to remember the 14 women who were killed at l'École Polytechnique:

Geneviève Bergeron, 21 Hélène Colgan, 23 Nathalie Croteau, 23 Barbara Daigneault, 22 Anne-Marie Edward, 21 Maud Haviernick, 29 Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz, 31

Maryse Laganière, 25 Maryse Leclair, 23 Anne-Marie Lemay, 27 Sonia Pelletier, 23 Michèle Richard, 21 Annie St-Arneault, 23 Annie Turcotte, 21

 

In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day represents a time to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also a day for communities and individuals to think about the concrete actions that each of us can take to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women.

In Ontario, candlelight vigils, memorial services, and other events are held throughout the province.

Each year, Status of Women Canada produces an information kit for individuals and organizations wishing to raise awareness and take action against violence against women. For more information, and to find out about related events in your community, please consult Status of Women Canada’s web-site: www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/dec6/index_e.html