A Victoria church will hold a vigil today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the worst mass shooting in Canadian history, in which a man shot and killed 14 women in an act that targeted feminists.
On Dec. 6, 1989, a man walked into a classroom at Montreal’s École Polytechnique with a rifle and separated the women from the men before opening fire. Fourteen people were wounded in the attack.
The First Metropolitan United Church will mark the anniversary with a special service and a candle-lighting vigil in memory of the 14 women killed.
The church’s lead minister, Shelagh MacKinnon, said in a statement that the day is a reminder that violence against women persists.
In 1991, Dec. 6 was recognized as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
The vigil will start at 5:30 p.m. at the church on Balmoral Road at Quadra Street. Victoria council, local Indigenous communities and faith groups will participate.
A vigil is also being held today at Holland Park in James Bay from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Organizers ask those who attend to come with a cheque or cash donation that will go to local women’s organizations.
In Nanaimo, 14 female students and professors at Vancouver Island University will perform readings before a candlelit procession to Jardin de Quatorze, a memorial garden to victims of the 1989 massacre.
Flags will fly at half-mast today at federal, provincial and municipal buildings.
