On December 6th, we recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Violence Against Women. In recognition of the day, Athabasca County will be lowering its flags to half-mast.
This year marks the somber 36th anniversary of the tragic events at École Polytechnique in 1989, where 14 women lost their lives in an act of gender-based violence.
We remember the following lives lost:
• 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, and
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.
This day stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issue of violence against women and the importance of our collective action to foster a culture of respect, safety and equality within our communities.
Members of the public are encouraged to honour the victims of this tragedy by wearing a white ribbon, observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. or attending a vigil.
