Each year, December 6th stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating events that unfolded at Polytechnique Montréal in 1989. On that tragic day, 14 women lost their lives in an act of antifeminist violence, with 12 of them being engineering students. This day, marking its 35th anniversary, is not only a time to mourn their loss but also a call to action to combat gender-based violence.
This year, Western Engineering embarked on an inspiring initiative—a video series featuring 12 multi-generational pairs of women engineers. These mothers and daughters shared their responses to the events of December 6th, the challenges they faced, and their aspirations for a more inclusive and equitable future in engineering. Through their stories, they bridge the past and future, demonstrating the strength and passion driving progress in the field. Their reflections not only honour those we’ve lost.
Voices from the Series
Mary Wells, McGill University (Class of 1987) & Patricia Owen, McMaster University (Class of 2024)
Emily Moore, Queen’s University (Class of 1992) & Evelyn Cudmore, McMaster University (Class of 2024)
Christine Haas, Western University (Class of 1993) & Alyssa Haas, McMaster University (Class of 2021)
Belinda Wilson, Technical University of Nova Scotia (Class of 1990) & Katherine Wilson, Western University, (Class of 2019)
Annette Bergeron, Queen’s University (Class of 1987) & Noelle Bergeron, McGill University (Class of 2019)
Susan Goertz, Western University (Class of 1996) & Samantha Goertz, Western University (Class of 2024)
Join the Conversation
We encourage everyone to watch and share these stories to amplify their impact. Reflect, take action, and be part of the change. Together, we can create a future where engineering—and society as a whole—is safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.
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