The anniversary of the Polytechnique attack was marked once again with a poignant tribute. On December 6, the skies of Montreal were illuminated by 15 beams of light, symbolizing remembrance for the victims of the tragic event that occurred in 1989. This year, an additional pink beam joined the existing fourteen, designated for all women who have fallen victim to femicide.
Commemoration and Call to Action
The addition of the 15th beam was initiated following a suggestion from Jacques Duchesneau, former chief of police. It serves as a reminder not just of the past but also of a pressing present. Catherine Bergeron, president of the memory committee and sister to victim Geneviève, highlighted the necessity of this commemoration in her heartfelt speech last year. She emphasized the importance of solidarity in maintaining hope and the need for continued action against violence towards women.
- Date of the attack: December 6, 1989
- Number of victims: 14 women
- Statistical insight: One in two women escaping violent situations faces barriers due to insufficient funding for shelters.
The call to action resonates strongly. Catherine Bergeron pointed to a recent World Health Organization report, stressing that violence against women remains one of the most severe human rights crises globally, with minimal progress made in two decades. While some may argue that conditions are better in Quebec compared to other regions, the ongoing femicides suggest otherwise.
Issues of Funding and Support
Concerns over inadequate funding for women’s shelters raise critical questions about the state’s commitment to women’s safety. Reports revealed that budget cuts have prompted the relaxation of monitoring measures for violent offenders, prompting fears over increased risks to women’s lives.
As the commemoration approaches, a significant absence will be felt: Louis Courville, acting director of Polytechnique during the attack, passed away on December 2 at the age of 91. His enduring legacy includes efforts to honor the memory of the 14 women lost. His presence had offered solace to families and friends in the community, and he was a supporter of the scholarship program honoring female engineering students.
A Legacy of Remembrance
This year, his wife, Jeanne Dauphinais, will lay the traditional bouquet of 14 pale pink flowers at the memorial plaque without him, a poignant gesture reflecting the unfulfilled ambitions of these young women. The legacy of Louis Courville will continue through the actions taken to ensure that the names and dreams of the victims are never forgotten.
The annual ceremony on Mount Royal will proceed as planned, with beams of light illuminating the sky in a powerful message of remembrance and commitment to act. The tragedy of 1989 remains a crucial impetus for ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and safety.
