FREDERICTON (CNB) - A memorial service to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was held today in memory of the 14 young women killed at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989.
Health Minister Mary Schryer, who is also the minister responsible for the status of women, led the service, which was also attended by MLAs, civil servants, and community partners who work in the area of violence against women.
"We must remember these young women were killed, not because they provoked the gunman, but simply because they were women," said Schryer. "We must also remember that the more common acts of violence against women are often not public - they take place in the home, at the hands of an intimate partner."
Statistics show that one in five homicides in Canada involves the killing of an intimate partner. More than 500 Aboriginal women in Canada have either gone missing or have been murdered during the past 20 years.
"Violence against women is a societal problem," said Schryer. "It is something that has very high social and economic costs. It is a problem that has even higher human costs. We must work together as a society to end violence against women."
During the service, a candle-lighting ceremony took place as each victim's name was called.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Following is a list of the women who died in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989.
The following women were murdered on Dec. 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal:
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Maria Klucznik
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
