Ontario Tech marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women with commemorative rock

December 6 is the annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by Parliament, the day commemorates the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique de Montréal massacre, in which 14 women were murdered in a tragic and senseless act of gender-based violence:

• Geneviève Bergeron
• Hélène Colgan
• Nathalie Croteau
• Barbara Daigneault
• Anne-Marie Edward
• Maud Haviernick
• Maryse Laganière
• Maryse Leclair
• Anne-Marie Lemay
• Sonia Pelletier
• Michèle Richard
• Annie St-Arneault
• Annie Turcotte
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a time to remember those who have experienced gender-based violence, those who we have lost to it, and commit to taking action as a community to end gender-based violence.

This year, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) will host its annual memorial event and unveil a commemorative rock with the names of the 14 victims of the École Polytechnique de Montréal Massacre engraved on it. The commemorative rock will serve as a gathering place and reminder of Ontario Tech’s commitment to end gender-based violence.

• When: Tuesday, December 6 from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
• Where: Automotive Centre of Excellence, first-floor Atrium, Ontario Tech University north Oshawa location.

The memorial will include a candle lighting, the reading of the victims’ names and a moment of silence.

As the campus comes together to honour the victims of this tragedy, the ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on the violence that remains a daily reality for girls and women around the world, and commit to speaking up and taking action to end it.

Quotes

“When gender-based violence happens, and it does happen in the modern day, it is really important we don’t shy away from it, that we don’t let ourselves forget it, because that is when you repeat history.”
-Madeline Sialtsis, Engineering Outreach Co-ordinator, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

“Genuine inclusivity is the duty of each one of us to foster at home, in the workplace and in the classroom. We gather on the same day every year to remember and to renew our commitment to ensure that women have equal rights to study what they desire and pursue the career they want, and such a crime shall not happen again.”

-Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

Support services

Internal support for faculty and staff

• LifeWorks, the university’s employee and family assistance program

Internal support for students

• On-campus: Student Mental Health Services
• Off-campus: Good2Talk, a 24/7 support line for post-secondary students
• Call 1.866.925.5454, or text “GOOD2TALK” to 68686

External supports

• Crisis lines for those affected by gender-based violence
• National support services for those affected by gender-based violence