News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

December 6, 2019

Province Remembers Women Who Died as a Result of Violence on 30th Anniversary of Montreal Massacre






Manitobans are encouraged to visit the Legislative Building to reflect on the 30th anniversary of the Montreal massacre, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, minister responsible for status of women, announced today.

“As time marches on and the memory of that horrific day fades, it’s important to remember the lives of 14 women who were murdered on Dec. 6, 1989 – women who were specifically targeted and killed because they were women,” said Cox.  “Thirty years cannot diminish that loss, nor the impact this tragedy had on our nation.  I urge Manitobans to take this opportunity to reflect on violence against women in our society, and remember the women and girls who face gender-based violence daily.”

Dec. 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.  The day marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.  It is also a time where Manitoba acknowledges all women who died as a result of violence.

The minister will host a ceremony at the base of the Grand Staircase today at 10 a.m. to honour the Montreal women who were killed, as well as the 11 women who died as a result of violence in Manitoba this past year.  The North End Women's Centre’s Buffalo Gal’s Drum Group will perform, and an American sign language interpreter will be present for the hearing impaired.

The minister noted members of the public are invited to attend the Legislative Building throughout the day to view a memorial honouring the women.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women falls during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 to help create a culture where violence against women is not accepted.

For more information about support and services, go to www.gov.mb.ca/msw/fvpp/.  For more information about Manitoba Victim Services, go to www.gov.mb.ca/justice/crown/victims/multi.html.   Confidential help is also available any time at (toll-free) 1-877-977-0007.

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