The flags at the Esquimalt Municipal Hall, public safety building and Archie Browning Sports Centre will be flown at half-mast in recognition of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Monday, December 6, 2021.
Overview
On December 6, 1989, 14 young women were tragically killed because of their gender at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. On this sombre day we recognize that Geneviève Bergeron, 21; Hélène Colgan, 23; Nathalie Croteau, 23; Barbara Daigneault, 22; Anne-Marie Edward, 21; Maud Haviernick, 29; Barbara Klucznik, 31; Maryse Laganière, 25; Maryse Leclair, 23; Anne-Marie Lemay, 22; Sonia Pelletier, 23; Michèle Richard, 21; Anne St-Arneault, 23; and Annie Turcotte, 21 senselessly lost their lives.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a day to remember the lives of these 14 women and to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating the hatred that caused this tragedy while also reflecting on the violence and discrimination that continues to impact the lives of women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and gender diverse individuals around the world.
Awareness and education are critical factors to ending gender-based violence (GBV). The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on November 25 and ends on December 10 and provides an opportunity for us all to unite to call out and speak out about GBV.