Note From the Editor

December 6, 2007

Today marks the 18th anniversary of what has become known nationwide as the “Montreal Massacre.” A day when Marc Lepine decided to take out his frustration, aggression, and anger on an innocent classroom at Montreal's École Polytechnique; A day when 14 lives were taken, for the sole reason that they were women. Fourteen women went to class on December 6, 1989, with thoughts of impending exams, Christmas holidays, and post-graduation plans. Nobody thought that their lives were in danger; nobody thought that because they were women, they would die.

What angers me the most about the tragedy is that Lepine’s name will forever be remembered in Canadian history; however, how many of us remember the names of his victims? Sure, there are 14 of them, as opposed to 1 sole killer, and sure, it’s often easy to focus on the criminal, rather than the victims (what made him do it? how can we prevent it from happening again?), but it still saddens me that even now, eighteen years later, I had to do my own Internet search to find the names of these fourteen women.

So to make the anniversary, I decided to publish the women’s names. I would like us to remember them, and not the gunman. By switching the focus, we change our perspective from one of violence and hatred, to one of youth, optimism, dedication, and hope – everything each one of these women stood for.

Geneviève Bergeron, 21;
Hélène Colgan, 23;
Nathalie Croteau, 23;
Barbara Daigneault, 22;
Anne-Marie Edward, 21;
Maud Haviernick, 29;
Barbara Maria Klucznik, 31;
Maryse Leclair, 23;
Annie St.-Arneault, 23;
Michèle Richard, 21;
Maryse Laganière, 25;
Anne-Marie Lemay, 22;
Sonia Pelletier, 28;
Annie Turcotte, 21.

The two-year anniversary issue of Edwards is a very personal* one. Many of our writers have chosen to share stories about themselves; about goals they are pursuing; about challenges they face; and about adventures they have had. Sabrina Sharpe shares with us her challenges in the classroom as she teaches about violence in relationships; Amy Matthews opens herself up to a new sport, despite feeling at a disadvantage; Colleen McKie comically describes what her life is like living with a starling (who knew they could be so fascinating?); Ada Mau opens up about her choice to pursue a career in research and academia; and Ashley MacPherson shares her views on cosmetic surgery and the beauty industry today. Columnists Emma Robinson and Krista Wakelin have also contributed to this special edition, with Robinson sharing another adventure in her quest to obtain a PhD, and Wakelin admitting her fears, challenges, and pride in learning a new language.

The Montreal Massacre happened when I was only 10 years old. I don’t remember hearing about it; I certainly don’t remember talking about it. I’m sure that I was shielded from such violence. I can understand the desire to maintain a child’s innocence about the evils of the world in which we live. I can safely ascertain that my husband and I will want to protect our daughter from such acts of violence (even knowing about them) for as long as we can.

The older I became, however, and as the age gap closed between what I was and what the fourteen women were at the time of their deaths, the more this tragedy hit home. Edwards Magazine was launched two years ago, intentionally on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to commemorate the need for more discussion, communication, and hopefully action on important women’s topics. For one day, we are encouraged to wear a purple ribbon; for one day, we remember not only the Montreal Massacre, but acts of violence that occur against women on a daily basis. One day. Is it enough?

The women, whose names are listed above, were only trying to pursue a dream, and for that, they died. I urge our readers to take a moment to read the names listed above…say them out loud…really get to know them. I, personally, don’t want my daughter to know the name of Marc Lepine before she knows the names of these brave women…it just doesn’t seem right.

 

Christine Gordon Manley
Editor-in-Chief

*And how much more personal can it get, with myself preparing for the birth of our first child? It is a time of nerves, excitement, fear, and hope. One small administrative note that I should share regarding Edwards is the decision to switch to a quarterly publication. This may be a temporary move, and I really do appreciate feedback from you, the readers, as this new format progresses. The next issue, therefore, will come out in March 2008.