Remembering a Terrible Day

It may have happened 17 years ago, but it must not be forgotten,

On December 6, a luncheon and ceremony was held by the MFL Women's Committee to mark the National Day of Remembrance. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, the day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montreal. They died because they were women.

As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.

"It is important to remember the events of December 6, 1989," says MFL President Darlene Dziewit. "I remember it as if it were yesterday. I went down to the old Union Centre the day after the killings and was talking to some people. There seemed to be two groups - those who 'got it', and those who did not.

"One man told me that it had nothing to do with women being killed because of their gender. He justified his position by saying that the killer was crazy.

"Some men even said 'See what happens when you make waves?' It certainly showed me, and many other women, how much hatred, anger and resentment was out there from men we thought were on our side. Women's shelters reported men calling them to say that they would be next. Quite chilling.

"December 6 has evolved into a somewhat difficult day for me and other sisters, but necessary."