Fourteen roses were placed outside in honour of the victims.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University held ceremonies at all of its campuses Friday, Dec. 6, as part of Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Students, staff, local politicians and other members of the community, gathered to remember the 14 women murdered during the Montreal Massacre, which took place at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, on Dec. 6, 1986.
Candles were lit as 14 volunteers placed roses on the ground, one for each victim.
A student lights the candles.
Violence against women continues to be significant problem in Canada. A 2013 study by Statistics Canada found that 83 per cent of crimes committed against women are committed by men. The study also found that Aboriginal women are two and half times more likely to be victim of a violent crime than other Canadian women.
“Education and awareness is the key to all of this. In my view, men need to be educated, more so, so that they understand that there’s no reason for violence against women,” said Harry Bains, MLA, who attended the vigil.
“I think, individually, us men can do a lot of things to change that starting at home. If we respect our spouses, our children will learn to respect each other.
“As fathers, we should have never let our daughters to be second to anything – in any circumstances at home. If we respect our wives, and treat them with respect, that’s what our sons will understand and learn from.”
Members of the community attended the vigil at the Surrey campus. Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale campuses also held their own ceremonies.
Ashley Ezart
Interesting article. I had no idea that this vigil happened or was even planned at Kwantlen. I completely agree that if parents played better role models for their children, violence would be minimized as teens and adults. I don’t think parents realize how influential their actions can be when their children are young.
Julia Vergara Carnero
Good article, with a great point – education is crucial to eliminate(or at least to reduce for now) violence against women. More we educate young people, less place there will be for violence.
Shea Thomson
What a great vigil, to bad i had no idea it was going on. Maybe it should have been made more public that this was going to happen… none the less i am very happy to hear that Kwantlen paid remembrance to this tragedy. I really like how you brought up the point of education, very crucial to reduce, and eventually, eliminate violence against women.