On December 6, 1989, fourteen engineering students were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montréal by a man motivated by hatred toward feminism. In response to this tragedy, the Canadian Parliament established, in 1991, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
This day invites us to honour the memory of women whose lives were taken because of gender-based violence. It also encourages reflection on the urgent need to address misogyny, discrimination, and all forms of violence linked to sex and gender identity.
Every year, ceremonies and candlelight vigils are held across the country to pay tribute to the 14 victims: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, and Annie Turcotte.
December 6 also marks the end of the 12 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women, launched on November 25 during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This initiative is part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, coordinated by the United Nations and concluding on December 10.