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It was 26 years ago today, that a gunman entered Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal and opened fire, killing 14 women and injuring 14 others.
The Montreal massacre marked not only the worst case of mass gun violence in Canada, but also one of the most severe cases of violence against women.
Canada has marked December 6th the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Canadians have spent over two decades declaring a day of action on violence against women, but even today it remains an up hill battle.
It’s a tragedy many Canadians will never forget. A lone gun man, fueled with anti-feminist sentiments, opened fire on a group of female students before turning the gun on himself.
Moments before the rampage, the shooter separated the men from the women, declaring, “I hate feminists.”
That tragic event is still fresh in the minds of many.
In Montreal a ceremony was held to mark the 26th anniversary of the massacre. White roses were laid on a pillar near the school to remember the victims.
In Toronto, a vigil was held at Nathan Philip Square to remember the 14 victims.
Cities across the country are honouring those who lost their lives that tragic day. It was 25 years ago when a group of dedicated women placed a commemorative rock at Hamilton City Hall to not only remember those who died, but all women who have been victims of violence.
The names of the 14 women killed in rampage, and the names of the 34 women killed in ontario this year were read outloud.
“Women are still being blamed for the abuse that they endure, so it is important that we mark this occasion every year until violence against women ends” said Natasha Dobler, from the Women’s Centre of Hamilton.
Women of all generations and men paid tribute to the victims outside city hall.
Some were not even alive when one of worst case of gun violence in the country happened.
“Domestic abuse is something that is stigmatized as a society, which is why people don’t really know about this and that’s why crimes continue happening.” said student Fahima Begum.
For Julie Cowell, violence against women hits close to home.
“There is still a mentality that this is okay, and it needs to change.”
Cowell’s sister-in-law, Tania was killed in a vicious stabbing in 2013.
Last month, Tania’s boyfriend was found guilty of manslaughter, not second degree murder.
Cowell says it is another example of how much work needs to be done to help victims of violence.
“Our society, Hamilton, our community surrounding areas, don’t accept this. We don’t accept this law. It promotes violence against women.”
During last week’s throne speech, the liberal government committed to ending violence against women.
