MONTREAL — Today, Polytechnique Montréal and various communities across Canada will honor the 14 women who lost their lives in a tragic anti-feminist attack at the engineering school 36 years ago. The day will begin with an early morning ceremony where wreaths of white roses will be placed at a commemorative plaque located at the main building of Polytechnique. Members of the school community will participate in this solemn event.

In the evening, a poignant display will take place as 15 beams of light shine above Mount Royal, representing the victims of the attack. An additional beam has been added this year to honor all victims of femicide. Families of the victims, along with dignitaries and political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, are expected to attend the evening ceremony.

Across the country, schools and communities will also hold events to remember the victims. The 14 women who were murdered on December 6, 1989, include Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

In addition to the fatalities, 13 others were injured during the attack, which was carried out by Marc Lépine, who subsequently took his own life. Lépine had expressed grievances against feminists, claiming they had ruined his life.

December 6 is recognized as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commonly referred to as White Ribbon Day, to commemorate the anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of violence against women in society.