AS strong parallels with numerous acts of
pmestic murder and abuse committed by
en fearful that “their” women will assert
greater sense of independence and move
pyond their traditional female roles.

The event also has also been a major
tapult in the Canadian gun control
ovement. Parents of the victims, survivors
nd other supporters were greatly involved

passing of the Firearms Act in 1995

at imposed stricter gun regulations for

ll firearms. In 1998, Ottawa banned all
mi-automatic, military assault weapons

d short-barreled handguns and required

e registration of all firearms and strict
reening for all firearm owners in 2003.
And if Lépine’s goal was to suppress
minism and its supporters from becoming
argely accepted group in today’s society,
e with the power to communicate their
essages and idealisms, he certainly did not

7?

cceed. In fact, the “madman’s” rampage

“If Lépine’s goal was to suppress feminism and its supporters from
becoming a largely accepted group in today’s society, one with the
power to communicate their messages and idealisms, he certainly
did not succeed. In fact, the “madman’s” rampage had the complete
opposite effect. In the year following the tragedy, the number of
female enrolments in Canadian engineering institutions such as
l’Ecole Polytechnique almost doubled—seeing a rise from 13 to 19
per cent in the proportion of female to male students.”

had the complete opposite effect. In the
year following the tragedy, the number of
female enrolments in Canadian engineering
institutions such as l’Ecole Polytechnique
almost doubled—seeing a rise from 13 to 19
per cent in the proportion of female to male
students. The popularity in the feminist

way of thinking, one where women stepped

outside of their traditional roles, was taking
flight and would inspire generations to
come to rise to their fullest potential.
Finally, as vigils and discussions on the
topic are being held across the country this
week to raise awareness about the issue, it
also gives the opportunity for organizations
such as the Battered Women’s Centre of

EU

College to hold vigil to remember lives lost in Montreal Massacre

Vancouver and Douglas College’s Student
Union to inform women about such acts of
violence, how they can protect themselves
and be empowered because of it.

A series of events will take place this
week at both Douglas College campuses
to commemorate the event including a free
women’s self defense class on December
1, and a banner signing in the concourse
at the New Westminster campus until
December 3. Vigils will be held at both
campuses: on December 3 at 10:30 in RM
2201 in New Westminster following a
remembrance video, and on December 7 in
Coquitlam in the Atrium. The vigil at the
New Westminster campus will also feature
a guest speaker from the Battered Women’s
Centre of Vancouver from 1-3 p.m. in room
2804 to answer questions and shed some
light on what is being done to inform the
public about the issue.

11