By Charles Lefebvre

Women’s Shelter Society holding memorial ceremony tonight

Dec 6, 2018 | 8:47 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society is hosting a memorial service tonight to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The annual memorial gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at Medicine Hat College’s Centennial Hall.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is held every year on December 6th, the anniversary of the mass shooting at l‘Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. In 1989, gunman Marc Lepine entered the school, killing 14 women and injuring 14 others. The gunman specifically targeted women during the shooting, and in a suicide note, blamed feminists for ruining his life. The note also included a list of 19  women in Quebec he considered feminists and wished to kill.

The Canadian government designated Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in 1991. Memorials are held across the country to remember victims of gender-based violence.

From 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., the public is able to drop in to make tissue paper flowers with a message of hope attached. The flowers will be used to create a memorial for the ceremony.

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According to a news release, the Memorial Ceremony will feature guest speakers, a reading of the victim’s names from the Montreal Massacre, and a moment of silence. Local musician Connie Jean will be performing before and during the ceremony.