Thursday, Dec. 6 marks the 23rd anniversary of the massacre of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.
In 1991 the Parliament of Canada declared this date as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada.
The Montreal Massacre has become symbolic of the fight to end violence against women.
As well as commemorating the 14 young women of Montreal, and countless other women whose lives have ended in acts of gender-based violence, Dec. 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality.
And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
In keeping with the federal initiative to fly the Canadian flag at half-mast on Dec. 6, the City of Grand Forks in 2010 agreed to have the flag lowered to half-mast on this date as well.
The Boundary Women’s Coalition will be holding a vigil at the city hall cenotaph at noon tomorrow. The vigil will be followed by a light lunch and a National Film Board short video After the Montreal Massacre at the Boundary Women’s Resource Centre (268 Market Avenue).
More than 20 years after the tragic events in Montreal, violence against women continues to be a serious issue in Canada. The Boundary Women’s Coalition welcomes all those who share our concern for the safety of women to join in this event.
– Submitted