Various events are being held ahead of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women this weekend. December 6 marks the anniversary of the tragic 1989 shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal, where 14 women lost their lives.
Since December 6 falls on a Saturday this year, several public institutions are organizing events in advance to honor the victims and raise awareness about gender-based violence.
In British Columbia, the government will conduct a candlelight vigil outside the B.C. Legislature in the early afternoon. Additionally, a memorial and vigil will take place at Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus at noon in the E Building Atrium.
On Friday, SFU’s Burnaby campus will host two more events, one at the Memorial Bench outside the Faculty of Applied Sciences Building and another at the SUB Ballroom.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women serves as a tribute to those who have suffered from gender-based violence and those who have been lost to it. Canadians are encouraged to wear a white ribbon on December 6 in solidarity with the victims.
The White Ribbon Campaign, a global movement originating from Toronto in 1991 as a response to the École Polytechnique tragedy, aims to end male violence against women and girls in over 60 countries.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the vigil in Victoria starting at 12:30 p.m. will be available.