Eighteen years ago today, a gunman entered an engineering class at
Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal. He ordered the fourteen women in the
room to line up against a wall, and killed them, because they were
women.
Among those murdered that day was CUPE member Maryse Laganière.
While this was an act of hatred perpetrated by one mentally unstable individual, its anniversary has become a day when Canadians discuss and mourn all types of gender violence.
As overflowing Alberta shelters turn away tens of thousands of victims, and more Aboriginal women go missing every year, it is crucial that we keep pressure on all levels of government to prioritize this issue.
"CUPE Alberta members are encouraged today to participate in community events in memorial of these 14 women," said CUPE Alberta President D'Arcy Lanovaz. "As well as consider what they can do themselves to end violence against women. We are suggesting they make donations to a shelter in their community, make a call to their elected representatives, and make a pact within their own families to resolve conflict safely and respectfully."
December 6th events will be taking place all over Canada today.