Honourable senators, I rise at a time when our collective conscience is being put to the test, as we approach the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Every year at this time, we are reminded of a wound that has never fully healed. On December 6, we will remember the 14 young women from the École Polytechnique de Montréal whose lives were taken from them simply because they were women.

Thirty-six years later, their families, their communities and our country as a whole are still keenly aware of their absence.

They had hopes, dreams and lives to build. Their memory calls out to us with this question: What we have done to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again?

This painful anniversary is part of a larger movement. Beginning November 25, Canadians and people around the world participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, culminating on Human Rights Day on December 10. It is time to call out attitudes of indifference, speak up in support of women and girls and refuse to let fear dictate their lives.

The reality is brutal and urgent. Every 48 hours, a woman or girl is killed in an act of gender-based violence in Canada. This is more than a statistic. Each loss of life is amplified by grieving family members, friends and loved ones who are left to fill a senseless void. We also hold deep compassion for the survivors of violence and their immeasurable courage. We offer them a sincere promise based on truth, justice and a firm engagement to build a world in which everyone is safe.

This week, a table adorned with white roses and white ribbons was set up in the Senate entrance to honour those who lost their lives and those whose lives have been shattered by violence. This initiative, which was carried out in collaboration with Women and Gender Equality Canada, gives a face to our commitment and provides food for thought.

Honourable senators, I would invite you to wear a white ribbon as a sign of our sincere desire to constantly work together so that, one day, no woman or girl will live in fear.

Because some truths are best expressed through poetry, I would like to share the words of the late Élaine Audet, who gave voice not only to pain, but also to resilience and hope:

December’s blood mingles with ink.

Fourteen names are penned.

Stand against hatred, never forget.

Always live free.

Together, let us honour those who died, support the survivors and put and end to violence.

Honourable senators, it is with a heavy heart that I rise on behalf of the Independent Senators Group to mark the thirty-sixth anniversary of the femicide at École Polytechnique de Montréal.

On December 6, 1989, I was an engineering student. Haiti’s national television station was replaying Radio-Canada’s coverage of the École Polytechnique massacre on a continuous loop.

It is an extremely upsetting memory, not only for Quebec and our country, but also for people far beyond our borders.

On December 6, 1989, 14 female engineering students were murdered simply because they were women. Another 13 people were injured.

This misogynistic violence left deep scars on many families and on our collective memory and sparked awareness about violence against women. This event also inspired many to take action for change and to never give up in the fight against violence against women.

Despite this tragedy, female students like me continued our studies for those who were unable to do so.

Today, I remember the decision I made in 1989 to continue studying engineering. It is our role, my role, to talk about this, to remember and to share what we have learned.

Since 2014, the Order of the White Rose scholarship has been a powerful symbol of action in memory of this femicide. These scholarships are awarded to Canadian female engineering students. On December 1, for the first time, 14 women received the prestigious $50,000 scholarship.

This will be the second consecutive year that a fifteenth beam of light will be lit on Saturday night on Mount Royal in memory of all the women who have been victims of femicide over the years. This special light represents the theme of this year’s commemoration.

As Senator Oudar pointed out yesterday, we must always remain vigilant.

Honourable senators, let’s wear a white ribbon in solidarity with all women and girls to bring an end to violence.

Thank you.

Honourable senators, I rise today to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, 2025. It is a day to honour the 14 precious lives lost in the tragic École Polytechnique massacre and those lost in acts of gender-based violence across our country.

On this solemn day, we remember the young women whose futures were stolen and whose families and communities were forever changed by this senseless act of hatred. The ripple effects of their loss continue to be felt to this day. The shock and grief of that tragedy deeply affected Canada as a whole, leaving a lasting wound in our national conscience and reminding us of the devastating consequences of violence.

As a woman and a mother, I stand here today, honouring their memory and recognizing the strength, resilience and invaluable contributions that women bring to our families, workplaces and communities.

As we reflect on this profound loss and the enduring impacts of gender-based violence, we also reaffirm our collective responsibility to take meaningful action. That means educating ourselves and others, supporting survivors with compassion and resources, challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours wherever we encounter them and working tirelessly to build a society where women and girls can live free from violence, discrimination and fear.

Honourable senators, as we honour these women of the December 6 tragedy, let us also vow to protect, uplift and advocate for women and girls, ensuring their rights, voices and safety are never taken for granted.

Together, we can create a safer and more just Canada for all.