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Seventh anniversary of the massacre at the École polytechnique de Montréal
December 5, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Jean
Chrétien on the seventh anniversary of the massacre at
the École polytechnique de Montréal.
On the seventh anniversary of the terrible massacre at École
polytechnique de Montréal, it is appropriate that all Canadians
reflect on the serious problem of discrimination and violence
towards women in our society. Canadians from coast to coast were
deeply shocked by the senseless killing of fourteen innocent young
women on December 6, 1989 -- a day we will never forget.
A direct result of the tragedy in Montreal was the development
of a strong advocacy movement for tougher gun control in Canada,
with women taking a leadership role. I was particularly moved
to see that the families and friends of the young women who were
killed at École polytechnique have strongly supported gun
control legislation. With the Firearms Act passed last
year, Canada is now well on its way to having one of the most
effective systems of gun control in the world.
Perhaps the best way in which we can honour the memory of these
young women is for all Canadians to work together to build a society
free from intolerance, hatred and violence. As we remember the
terrible events of December 6, let us renew our efforts to promote
understanding and mutual respect.
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