News

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 5, 2025

Tomorrow is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day designated by Parliament to honour and remember those who have experienced gender-based violence and the lives lost in the Montreal Massacre. 

On December 6, 1989, 14 young women at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal were murdered in a violent act of misogyny. 

We remember: 

  • 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
  • Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz 


“As these women’s lives are remembered, the commitment to ending gender-based violence and challenging misogyny is reaffirmed. Action and advocacy are essential to create a safer, more equitable future for women in Prince Edward Island.”

— Minister responsible for the Status of Women Jenn Redmond

Flags will be flown at half-mast, and purple lights will illuminate the Shaw Building on December 5 and 6 to honour those affected by gender-based violence and remember the lives lost in the Montreal Massacre. 

 

Media contact:
Brooke Miller
Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population
bmmiller@gov.pe.ca 
 

Backgrounder:

Candlelight memorial services will be held at the following locations to honour and remember those who have experienced gender-based violence and the lives lost in the Montreal Massacre:

UPEI Candlelight Vigil
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 10 a.m.
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering

Summerside Memorial Service
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 12 p.m.
Summerside Baptist Church

Charlottetown Memorial Service 
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 12 p.m.
Memorial Hall – Confederation Centre of the Arts

General Inquiries

Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population

5th Floor North, Shaw Building
105 Rochford Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-4250
Fax: 902-368-4242