Manitoba Legislature Holds Urgent Memorial for Montreal Massacre Victims

UPDATE: A solemn memorial at the Manitoba Legislature this morning honored the 14 women tragically killed in the 1989 Montreal Massacre. The ceremony, held at sunrise, served as a poignant reminder of the violence against women and the urgent need for change in Canada.

On December 6, 1989, a gunman targeted female students at École Polytechnique, declaring, “I hate feminists,” before committing one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history. Today’s memorial included drumming, singing, and heartfelt remarks from Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Amna Mackin, acting deputy minister for Indigenous reconciliation.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, 15 roses were placed in the rotunda, symbolizing each of the victims and one for those lost to gender-based violence in the past year. Fontaine emphasized the targeted nature of the massacre, stating, “This was not random. This was not senseless. This was male violence rooted in misogyny, and it changed this country forever.”

Fontaine highlighted the grim reality of gender-based violence in Manitoba, where Indigenous women face alarming rates of violence and the disturbing legacy of two serial killers, Shawn Lamb and Jeremy Skibicki, operating during the same era. “1989 was not the end, it was a warning,” she noted, calling for a society where male entitlement does not foster violence against women.

The memorial served as a stark reminder of ongoing systemic issues, as Mackin reflected on the massacre’s implications for women’s rights in education and professional fields. She stated, “The loss of the women of École Polytechnique 36 years ago exposes ongoing systemic issues.”

In 2022, four Indigenous women, including Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Ashlee Shingoose, were believed to have been victims of violence linked to landfills in Manitoba. Mackin, who led the successful search for the remains of Harris and Myran, expressed her pride in bringing closure to their families, stating, “Our dedicated team brought them home earlier this year, something many thought impossible.”

As Manitoba continues to confront the horrific realities of gender-based violence, today’s memorial serves as an urgent call to action for individuals and policymakers alike. The event underscores the importance of remembrance and the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and safety for all women in Canada.

The memory of those lost in the Montreal Massacre continues to resonate deeply, reminding us that the struggle against misogyny is far from over. Authorities and advocates urge society to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these critical issues.