BCSEG Hosts Event Commemorating the Anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre
On December 6, Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Engineers and Geoscientists BC honours the memory of the 14 women whose lives were taken at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989 and acknowledges the lasting impact on families, communities, and professions.
To remember and reflect on the 36th anniversary of the tragedy, registrants are encouraged to sign up and attend the “Commemorating the École Polytechnique Massacre” event in Victoria on Friday, December 5.
The breakfast event is hosted by the BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG) Victoria Branch and offers attendees an opportunity to pay tribute to the 14 lives lost, share thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversation about ending gender-based violence.
The BCSEG event is aligned with the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” which takes place from November 25 to December 10 and calls on individuals and institutions to reflect and take action to prevent gender-based violence in all its forms.
“Engineers and Geoscientists BC stands in solidarity during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” said Alison Dantas, Chief Operating Officer. “We remain committed to meaningful action that supports safe and equitable spaces across our professions, firms, and communities.”
Get Involved
In addition to the BCSEG event, check your community for events taking place to commemorate the day. Here are some memorial events at BC universities:
University of Victoria: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against WomenWednesday, December 3
11:30 AM, outside of the Engineering Lab. Wear purple and dress for the weather.
SFU Surrey Campus: In-Person Vigil and Memorial Event
Thursday, December 4
Noon at the Surrey E Building Atrium. Please RSVP for the event.
SFU Burnaby Campus: In-Person Vigil and Memorial Event
Friday, December 5
12:15 PM at the Memorial Bench, outside of the Faculty of Applied Sciences Building
12:45 PM at the SUB Ballroom. Please RSVP for the event.
Royal Roads University: In-Person and Online Vigil and Memorial Event
Saturday, December 6
Noon at the Grant Quarterdeck and online. This event will recognize women, girls, 2SLGBTQ+, and gender-diverse individuals who experience gender-based violence.
Take Action
To honour the victims of this tragedy and commemorate the day you can:
- Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home or order one online.
- Observe a moment of silence at 11 AM.
- Attend a vigil in your community.
- Read the Microaggressions Action Plan from Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE) Vancouver.
- Follow Engineers and Geoscientists BC on LinkedIn and share our National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women post on December 6.
- Learn more about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and how to get involved.