News release

Poster Unveiled to Remember Montreal Massacre

Status of Women

The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women today unveiled a poster to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were murdered at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal.

The poster shows falling red rose petals on a black background. The names of the 14 women killed are listed on the left-hand side. Copies of the poster are available to groups around the province.

"This poster is a reminder that while progress has been made to eliminate violence, particularly against women and children, there's still much to be done," said Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

"These 14 women have become the symbol for the hundreds of women who have been murdered across Canada in the past 10 years," said Brigitte Neumann, executive director of the advisory council, as she introduced the poster at a ceremony in the art gallery of Saint Mary's University.

The period from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 is known as 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence. It starts with the International Day to End Violence Against Women on Nov. 25. In Canada, it includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which is commemorated on the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.

Ms. Purves encouraged people to wear purple ribbons during the 16 Days of Action as a symbol of their support of the movement to end violence.

"The purple ribbon shows our commitment to eliminate this problem. It reminds others that violence in society should be everyone's concern," said Ms. Purves.