Canada remembers the 14 female engineering students who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989 by an act of gender-based violence. We also commemorate the missing and murdered Aboriginal women, the trans-women and each and every woman in Ontario and across the world whose lives have been harmed or lost to gender-based violence.
The 14 women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, were killed in a gender-based act of violence. They were:
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
In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The day now represents a time to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also a day for communities and individuals to speak out against all forms of violence against women and its impact on victims and their families and friends.
The Ontario government is helping to stop sexual violence and harassment with its Action Plan It’s Never Okay, and the introduction of legislation to help make workplaces, campuses and communities safer.
In Ontario, candlelight vigils, memorial services, and other events are held throughout the province.
Find out what you can do to end violence against women.
YWCA Rose Button Campaign
YWCA Rose Button CampaignEach year, the YWCA Canada produces and distributes Rose Buttons to mark December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
YWCA Canada has been the national distributor of the Commemorative Rose Button since 1991. Wearing the button helps to commemorate the young women students who were killed at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, as well as all women and girls who have died as a result of violence against women. It is also shows support to all the women and girls who have experienced violence or who are currently facing violence.
The Rose Button Campaign is a fundraising opportunity for individuals, groups and organizations that support anti-violence programs and services. Buttons can be ordered through the YWCA.
Each year, Status of Women Canada produces an information kit for individuals and organizations wishing to raise awareness and take action against violence against women. For more information, and to find out about related events in your community, please consult the Status of Women Canada website
