Thirty-four years ago, on December 6, 1989, a devastating event shook Canada and the world. At the École Polytechnique, an engineering school in Montreal, a gunman committed a horrific act of gender-based violence, targeting female students and claiming the lives of 14 young women. This tragedy, known as the Montreal Massacre, stands as a poignant reminder of the lethal consequences of misogyny and gender discrimination. As we commemorate this somber anniversary, we reflect not only on the lives lost but also the victims of other forms of gender-based violence in Canada, including intimate partner violence and murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).
The Montreal Massacre unfolded on a December evening, when a 25-year-old man entered the École Polytechnique armed with a semi-automatic rifle. Declaring his hatred for feminists, whom he blamed for ruining his life, the gunman embarked on a brutal rampage that lasted nearly 20 minutes. His targeted attack left 14 women dead, and 10 women injured, before he took his own life. This heinous act was not just a mass shooting; it was a deliberate attack on women and the values of equality and inclusion they represent.
The 14 women who lost their lives were more than just victims of a senseless act of violence; they were daughters, sisters, friends, and aspiring engineers who had dreams and aspirations. Their loss is a stark reminder of the cost of hatred and intolerance. Each year, on December 6, now commemorated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, we remember:
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Lecair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
The Montreal Massacre was a catalyst for change in Canada, sparking debates on gender-based violence, and misogyny in society. The tragedy heightened awareness about violence against women, and led to the establishment of the Alliance of Canadian Research Centres on Gender-Based Violence. To this day, the Centres, partnered with AVA, continue to pursue their mandate and mission to conduct research, provide education, and raise awareness on issues of gender-based violence, including violence against women and girls.
Although the Montreal Massacre happened 34 years ago, violence against women and girls continues to be a disturbing reality across the Prairies and across Canada. According to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability (2022) report, in 2022, 184 women and girls were violently killed, primarily by men; meaning that one woman or girl was killed every two days. Also, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than any other women in Canada, and 16 times more likely than white women (National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 2019).
While the Montreal Massacre was a turning point, the fight against gender-based violence continues. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to challenge sexism, misogyny, and inequality in all their forms. Educational initiatives, policy reforms, and community efforts play a crucial role in creating a more equitable and safe society for all.
As we commemorate the December 6 École Polytechnique tragedy, we honor the memories of those who lost their lives and recognize the profound impact of this event on Canadian society. It is a call to action to continue working towards a world free of gender-based violence, a world where the aspirations and lives of all individuals are valued and protected. Let us remember, reflect, and recommit to these ideals in honour of the lives we lost on that tragic day.