Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women—December 6—Special Message from the Status of Women Committee

Every year on December 6, Canadians observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day honours the memory of the 14 young women who were murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. This horrific act of violence was not random. These victims were targeted simply because they were women studying engineering.  It was a tragedy that shocked the nation and revealed the deep roots of gender-based violence in society.

The events of that day sparked a national conversation about misogyny, discrimination, and the need to address violence against women in all its forms. Since then, December 6 has become a time not only to mourn the victims of the Montreal Massacre, but also to recognize all women and girls who experience gender-based violence, and to commit to taking meaningful action to end it.

Across Canada, communities hold memorial services, vigils, and educational events to honour the victims and raise awareness. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing reality that violence against women persists, often affecting Indigenous women, racialized women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and women with disabilities at disproportionately high rates.

The Government of Canada and many advocacy groups encourage people to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of commitment to ending gender-based violence. Individuals are also urged to speak out against sexism, support survivors, and promote equality in their workplaces, schools, and communities.

While December 6 is a day of remembrance, it is equally a call to action. True remembrance means working toward a society where women and girls can live safely, freely, and with dignity. By reflecting on the past and acting in the present, Canadians honour the 14 women of École Polytechnique and help build a future free of gender-based violence.

Tamara Arthur (D6A–Thunder Bay) is a member on the Status of Women Committee (2025-2026)