Ceremonies Mark Anniversary of Montreal Massacre

Today communities across Canada will commemorate the deaths of 14 women at the École Polytechnique in 1989.

Marc Lépine murdered 13 students and one staff member at the Montreal university 21 years ago today, and since then the massacre has become a rallying cry to call attention to violence against women. In 1991 Parliament recognized Dec. 6 as both a National Day of Mourning and a National Day to End Violence Against Women. Emotional ceremonies are expected across the country today as Canadians remember not only the 14 victims of the Montreal Massacre but all women who have suffered violence at the hands of men. At the École Polytechnique, 14 bouquets of white roses will be laid at a memorial plaque and flags will be lowered to half-mast.