Today, the city of Montreal is holding a ceremony to mark the 36th anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre, an event that took place on December 6, 1989, and became one of the most tragic events in Canadian history.

In the attack, 14 women were murdered by a misogynistic man named Marc Lépin. Thirteen others were injured. The gunman committed suicide after shooting himself, blaming women and feminists in his notes for his life's problems.

The significance of this day in Canada

The incident led to stricter gun control laws in Canada and increased public attention to the issue of violence against women.

For many years, December 6 has been designated as a national day of remembrance and action against violence against women.

Details of today's ceremony

Since 2014, the main ceremony has been held on Mount Mont-Royal, attended by representatives from all three levels of government – ​​the mayor, the premier of Quebec, and the prime minister of Canada.

At 5:10 p.m. (the exact time the shooting began), 14 beams of light will be projected into the sky.

Last year, for the first time, a 15th beam was added to honor all the women who were murdered.

This Morning's Program

This morning, representatives of the Polytechnique de Montréal and student associations will, in keeping with their more than 30-year tradition, lay white roses at the memorial plaque on campus.

The public is also invited to pay their respects at the plaque.

The names of the 14 female victims

Genevoëve Bergeron

Hélène Colgan

Natalie Courteau

Barbara Danio

Anne-Marie Edouard

Maud Havriernik

Marys Lagannier

Marys Leclerc

Anne-Marie Lemy

Sonya Peltier

Michel Richard

Annie Saint-Arno

Annie Turcotte

Barbara Klužinic-Vidajevic