December 6, 2009 - Montreal rally and vigil

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Two decades after the Dec. 6 massacre at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal, a gathering organized by the Quebec Women’s Federation was held at Place Émilie-Gamelin in the city’s downtown to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

In memory of the 14 young women who were killed that day, 14 white ribbons bearing their names were attached to a rope surrounding the park. Among the more than 500 people in attendance were Bloc Québécois federal leader Gilles Duceppe and Parti Québécois provincial leader Pauline Marois.

UFCW Canada national representative Anouk Collet, pictured in tuque with Quebec federation of labour Vice-President Danièle Casara at the event, recalls, “I was myself a student at the Université de Montréal when the Dec. 6 events happened, and, even though it was 20 years ago, I still remember that day clearly.” Sister Collet is also a member of the UFCW Canada National Council Women’s Advisory
Committee, and sits on the Quebec fed’s committee with Sister Casara.

“I find it discouraging that, a full 20 years after the Montreal tragedy, the Stephen Harper government – which claims it wants to reduce violence – is actually trying to pass legislation that would have the opposite effect,” Anouk says.