Polytechnique Massacre: Canada Marks 36 Years of Remembrance and Resolve
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On December 6, 2024, Canada paused to remember the 14 women murdered in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, a horrific act of anti-feminist violence that continues to resonate across the nation. Commemorations took place in Montreal and communities nationwide, underscoring a continued commitment to combating gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity in STEM fields.
A Day of Remembrance at École Polytechnique
Wreaths of roses were laid Saturday morning at the main pavilion of École Polytechnique, near the commemorative plaque, in a solemn tribute attended by representatives from the institution and student associations. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the enduring need for vigilance against misogyny.
“December 6 for us is really an important moment,” stated the establishment’s general director, Maud Cohen. “It’s a moment to commemorate the events, what happened, to also remember these young women, what they were, their dreams, what they wanted to do… Ultimately become engineers.” Cohen emphasized that the date is not only about looking back but also about shaping a future where all women can thrive in engineering and beyond.
“I often have a very inclusive speech on December 6 saying that anyone who wants to flourish in engineering can do so, regardless of their origin, their disability or their situation,” she added.
Student Voices Call for Continued Action
The importance of student involvement in the commemoration was highlighted by Gabriel Comby, president of the Polytechnique Student Association (AEP). He expressed a desire to build upon existing efforts to protect women from violence. “It is a duty of remembrance which is extremely important for the 14 victims, for their families and for all women who are victims of violence in Canada and around the world,” Comby said.
Imane Chafi, president of the Polytechnique Graduate Student Association (AÉCSP), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the direct impact of the tragedy on the student body. “The good thing is that we are a man and a woman too, so I think we represent the students well,” she noted, underscoring the importance of diverse representation in advocating for change.
A representative from the office workers union shared a poignant story of two Concordia University engineering students who were deeply affected by the news of the massacre in 1989. “Rima and Carole were Concordia students at the time of the tragedy, and then it really hit them. They came back from their day after their classes at home, then they learned about the killing on TV… It could have been at Concordia,” she recounted.
National Leaders Issue Statements of Solidarity
Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, calling the 1989 tragedy “an attack on women and on the values of equality, dignity and respect that define our identity as Canadians.” He affirmed the nation’s ongoing commitment to fighting gender-based violence.
Similarly, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre spoke to the significance of the date in Canadian history, stating, “This is not just a time to remember their names. This is a moment to reaffirm the promise of our country: that every woman, regardless of her background and situation, can live in safety and dignity.”
Evening Vigil and Continued Tribute
Polytechnique Montréal will continue its tribute throughout the day, culminating in an evening ceremony where 15 beams of light will illuminate the sky above Mount Royal. Fourteen beams will honor the 14 victims, with an additional beam representing all victims of femicide. The ceremony is expected to be attended by families of the victims, dignitaries, and political leaders, including Prime Minister Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault.
The 14 women tragically killed on December 6, 1989, were 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. Thirteen others were injured in the attack, perpetrated by Marc Lépine, who took his own life after making hateful statements blaming feminists for his personal struggles.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and a future free from violence.
