On 6 December 1989, a man entered a mechanical engineering classroom at Montreal’s École Polytechnique armed with a semi-automatic weapon. After separating the women from the men, he opened fire on the women while screaming, “You are all feminists.”
Fourteen women lost their lives that day.
Geneviève Bergeron;
Hélène Colgan;
Nathalie Croteau;
Barbara Daigneault;
Anne-Marie Edward;
Maud Haviernick;
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz;
Maryse Laganière;
Maryse Leclair;
Anne-Marie Lemay;
Sonia Pelletier;
Michèle Richard;
Annie St-Arneault ;
Annie Turcotte.
The anniversary of this tragic event serves as reminder of the nefarious and abhorrent misogyny that still exists and persists in our communities and workplaces. Gender-based violence continues to this day and is experienced by women routinely in their pursuit of fair and just society, with equitable workplaces and spaces.
Today is a call to action for us to continue advocating for safe and inclusive environments for all, regardless of gender. We must continue to push for change to thrive without fear, foster a culture of respect, empowerment, and equal opportunities within our union, workplaces and community.
Across the Prairies, PSAC Regional Women’s committees participate in and support campaigns against gender-based violence, both within and outside the workplace. These campaigns aim to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and create a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women.
As we mark today, let us re affirm our collective commitment to a future where every person can pursue their learning, career and life aspirations free from the threat of violence or discrimination.
For more information and participate in your Regional Women s Committee please visit https://prairies.psac.com/our-organization/womens-committee/ or contact your local Regional Office https://prairies.psac.com/contact-us/
In Solidarity,
Sherry Hunt
Regional Women’s Committees Representative
Prairie Region Council
Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President – Prairies
Public Service Alliance of Canada