A solemn vigil is set to take place in Guelph, Ontario, to honour and remember the victims of gender-based violence. The event coincides with the 36th anniversary of the tragic antifeminist attack at Montreal's École Polytechnique, a day of national remembrance in Canada.
Commemorating a National Tragedy
The vigil's timing is significant, as it falls on December 6, 2025, marking 36 years since the devastating mass shooting. On that day in 1989, a gunman motivated by hatred towards feminists entered the engineering school, murdering 14 women and injuring 13 others. The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of misogyny and violence against women.
As seen in a poignant Canadian Press photograph from the morning of the anniversary, individuals gathered at memorial plaques to pay their respects to the victims. The Guelph vigil aims to channel that same spirit of communal mourning and resolve into a local gathering focused on all forms of gender-based violence.
Community Gathering for Remembrance and Solidarity
Organized by local advocates, the vigil in Guelph is designed to be a space for reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to ending violence. It recognizes that while the Montreal massacre is a profound symbol, gender-based violence continues to affect individuals and families in communities across the country every day.
The event is expected to draw residents from Guelph and the surrounding region who wish to stand in solidarity with survivors and remember those lost. Such vigils are crucial for public awareness, helping to break the silence that often surrounds these acts of violence and fostering a supportive network within the community.
A Continued Call for Action
Beyond remembrance, the December 6 vigil underscores the ongoing need for action. Advocates stress that commemorations must be paired with tangible efforts to support survivors, challenge harmful attitudes, and implement policies that enhance safety and equality.
The 36th anniversary is not just a look back at history but a call to address present-day realities. Events like the Guelph vigil keep the conversation alive, urging society to confront the roots of gender-based violence and work collectively toward its eradication.
By gathering together, participants send a powerful message that the lives lost are not forgotten and that the community stands united against hatred and violence targeting women and gender-diverse people.
