Lacombe will host their inaugural candlelight vigil this evening on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. 

Vigils are hosted across the country on the anniversary of the mass shooting at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989, which claimed the lives of 14 women.

Victim Services Director Debbie Baron says the vigils this evening honour those women, but also recognize and remember all victims of gender-based violence. 

"I want people to remember those that we've lost to gender-based violence. When people see this vigil, I want them to remember that we must take action to stop that violence," she said.


She said it's important for people to know that they can reach out, either on behalf of themselves or a friend, and Victim Services is here to support and provide guidance to get out of a bad situation.

"I've had people call who are concerned about a friend who is in a bad relationship, and they can either have their friend call me directly, or I'm able to provide information and resources. We can connect them to different agencies to help, or make a plan to get out. There are a lot of agencies in Red Deer, like the Women's Outreach and others, that are really great resources for help."

A vigil will be held in Red Deer City Hall Park at 4:30-5:30 and a second vigil will be held in front of the Lacombe Memorial Centre at 6:15-7:15.

This day of remembrance and the vigils held nationally are also part of the Status of Women Canada's initiative of 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

Baron said she hopes people take notice of the vigils and can begin to have conversations on how to end gender-based violence. 

"Domestic violence is prevalent everywhere. It doesn't matter if you're in Lacombe, Ponoka, Red Deer - it doesn't matter. We're seeing it everywhere," said Constable Vaughn Bleasdale with Lacombe Police Service. 

"With the economy the way that it is, people are having problems at home financially, they're having issues keeping their homes or their assets and that causes stress on the relationship. From there, it can turn into a full-fledged domestic [situation]."

Const. Bleasdale said it's important to remember that domestic violence affects families of all kinds, and good people can become unstable during a crisis. He said it's important to reach out before it reaches a critical point and violence becomes part of the issue. 

From the AB Government:

“The École Polytechnique massacre on Dec. 6, 1989 should never be forgotten. Every year, the Alberta government recognizes this day and its importance during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. We must find ways to prevent gender-based violence in all of its forms.

“Please take a moment to remember this day and to remember the lives of these 14 precious women. All Albertans have the right to live their lives free from fear of violence. It is our responsibility to work together to ensure events like what unfolded on Dec. 6, 1989 at École Polytechnique never happen again.”

Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women