Thirty-six years have passed, yet the chilling echoes of December 6th, 1989, resonate with heartbreaking clarity. Across Canada, communities paused to remember the fourteen women whose lives were stolen at Polytechnique Montreal – victims of a senseless act of misogyny and violence.
The tragedy wasn’t simply a horrific event; it was a brutal awakening. It exposed a deep-seated hatred and a societal failure to protect women pursuing their dreams. The names – Genevieve Bergeron, Helene Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, and the others – are etched in the nation’s memory, a constant reminder of the price of inequality.
Mark Carney, attending a commemoration in Montreal, acknowledged that progress, while made, has been insufficient. He spoke of the need for continued vigilance, not only in gun control but also in the rigorous enforcement of existing laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
The evening sky above Mount Royal became a canvas of remembrance. Fifteen beams of light pierced the darkness, each representing a life lost. Fourteen shone for the women of Polytechnique, while a fifteenth illuminated all victims of femicide – a somber acknowledgement of ongoing loss.
For Catherine Bergeron, the pain remains acutely personal. Thirty-six years after losing her sister, Genevieve, the questions linger: “Why? How?” Yet, amidst the grief, she finds strength in the enduring duty to remember, to inspire action, and to offer solace.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault issued a powerful call to action, urging citizens to actively confront violence against women. He emphasized the responsibility to report abuse, believing that collective vigilance is the key to preventing future tragedies and ensuring every woman can live without fear.
Wreaths and white roses, symbols of innocence and remembrance, were laid at a commemorative plaque at Polytechnique Montreal. The school’s president, Maud Cohen, spoke of honoring the victims’ dreams of becoming engineers while simultaneously striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the field.
The grief and determination extended beyond Montreal. At the University of Toronto, engineering students – many of them women – constructed a poignant memorial, a wooden and glass monument adorned with white roses. It stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of the fourteen women and a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing women in STEM.
Kaija Mikes, one of the students involved, articulated a fear that continues to shadow women in engineering: the lingering presence of discrimination and gender-based violence. The memorial, she said, was a source of strength and a symbol of community in the face of this ongoing threat.
Leaders across the political spectrum echoed the call for change. Pierre Poilievre emphasized the moral imperative to combat violence against women, reaffirming the nation’s promise of safety, dignity, and freedom from fear for all women. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez-Ferrada underscored the need to instill values of respect and equality in future generations.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, known as White Ribbon Day, serves as a solemn reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. It is a day to honor the past, confront the present, and commit to building a future where every woman can live a life free from violence and fear.
