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Vigils mark anniversary of l'École Polytechnique shootings

Events taking place at YWCA Sudbury and Memorial Park
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Two different vigils are being held in Greater Sudbury Tuesday evening to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Twenty-seven years ago, on Dec. 6, 1989, 14 young women were murdered at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal in an act of gender-based violence.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women marks the anniversary of the mass shootings and reflects on the phenomenon of violence against women.

Even though it's been more than a quarter-century since the l'École Polytechnique tragedy, we need to keep talking about it, said Marlene Gorman, executive director of YWCA Sudbury. 

That's “mainly because we have not ended violence against women,” she said.

Gorman said she's encouraged by the Trudeau government's promise to hold an inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women, but she said she thinks the country's gun laws need to be strengthened.

YWCA Sudbury is holding its annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women vigil starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday evening outside of its building at 370 St. Raphael St.

Liliane Thambeau, women at risk co-ordinator with Sudbury and Area Victim Services, will give the keynote speech.

“She's going to talk about her experience in supporting women leaving abusive relationships, as well as the services they offer,” Gorman said.

A candlelight vigil marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is also being held at Memorial Park in downtown Sudbury starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.

“Now, more than ever, we need to stand together in support of women,” said the Facebook page for the event.

“The recent presidential campaign in America has made it painfully clear that blatant misogyny and the routine sexual exploitation of women remains deeply entrenched in our culture.

“The fact that men so readily embraced Trump, and women so easily excused him is evidence that the fight is not yet over.”
 


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Heidi Ulrichsen

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