Thirty-six years have passed since a day that forever scarred the Canadian conscience. On December 6, 1989, a lone gunman entered the École Polytechnique in Montreal, separated the women from the men in an engineering classroom, and opened fire. Fourteen young women were killed in an act of targeted misogyny that shocked the nation.
A Day of Solemn Remembrance
The anniversary, marked each year on December 6, serves as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. In Montreal, the memory is etched in stone and spirit. The University of Montreal's tower is reflected in the school's memorial plaque, which bears the names of the 14 victims. Ceremonies across the country, including one at the site of the tragedy, honour Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.
The Enduring Call for Action
While the decades have passed, the duty to confront gender-based violence remains urgent. The attack at Polytechnique was not an isolated incident but a horrific amplification of a pervasive societal issue. Advocates and survivors stress that remembrance must be paired with concrete action. This includes supporting survivors, challenging harmful attitudes, and strengthening systems designed to protect women and girls from violence. The tragedy exposed deep-seated issues of misogyny and access to firearms, sparking national debates that continue to this day.
A Legacy That Demands More
The phrase "a duty to do more" resonates powerfully on this anniversary. It is a call to move beyond memorials and into meaningful change. It challenges institutions, governments, and individuals to examine how they can contribute to a society where such hatred cannot take root. The 14 women killed were students with bright futures, targeted for their gender and their pursuit of education in a non-traditional field. Their legacy is a persistent reminder that the fight for equality and safety is far from over.
As Canada marks this sombre day, the reflection in the memorial plaque is more than just an image; it is a symbol of a nation still grappling with the shadows of its past and its responsibility to forge a safer future for all.