On December 6, we mark the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women, a solemn day to honour the 14 women whose lives were stolen at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989 because they were women. Their names remain a reminder of the urgent need to confront gender-based violence in all its forms:
• 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
• Annie Turcotte
Today, we reflect on their memory, and on the thousands of survivors and victims of gender-based violence every year. We strive to create safer workplaces, homes, and communities where women, girls, and gender-diverse people are respected, supported, and protected.
Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. By educating ourselves and others, speaking out against harassment, discrimination, and abuse, supporting organizations that help survivors, and advocating for stronger protections and accountability, we can contribute to safer communities and a future free from violence.
As we remember, we must also act. Together, we can build a future where everyone lives free from violence.
In solidarity,
