Delegates observe a moment of silence and shining their phone lights to commemorate lives lost, and pledge to work against gender-based violence.
As a gesture of support for survivors of violence against women, delegates at OFL’s final day of convention wore purple as a sign of courage. Lights were dimmed and delegates shone their phone lights which flickered like candles throughout the hall.
“December 6 is an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy of what took place in Montreal and to reach out to all families of these victims whose lives have been forever altered by acts of violence,” said Patty Coates, Secretary-Treasurer at the OFL. “We must use the act of remembering to fuel collaborative efforts across our country to build a better, safer, and more inclusive Ontario and Canada.”
Fourteen female engineering students were gunned down at l’École Polytechnique de Montreal on December 6, 1989. Canada’s Parliament later declared December 6th the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women.
