Polytechnic slaughter | A bittersweet 32nd birthday

The recent announcements by Minister Geneviève Guilbault – including the $ 52 million announced on Sunday to prevent youth crime – put a balm on December 6, which could have been filled with bitterness.

Remember, at the commemoration of the 25^e anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre, the issue of gun control was at the heart of political discourse. At the time, the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, promised to rebuild the gun registry. During the great show broadcast live from the Chalet du Mont-Royal, a show that brought together politicians from all walks of life as well as two hosts of competing TV channels, we had the impression of witnessing a historic turning point. All these people gathered under the same roof, carrying a strong word, had kindled a hope almost as bright as the white beams erected on the mountain in memory of the 14 victims.

Seven years later, what a painful irony to note that at the heart of the news in Quebec are the two scourges against which survivors of Polytechnique have fought for 32 years: gun control and violence against women.

Since last January, 18 women have been murdered, presumably by their spouse or ex-spouse. And the year is not over. In some cases, the victims had alerted those around them or the police that they felt they were in danger. We did not know how to protect them.

This December 6 tastes of bitterness for another reason: firearms are circulating like never before in Quebec. We “print” parts in 3D, order them in pieces by mail, or bring them across the border.

Although the perpetrator of the Polytechnique tragedy – like those of the Dawson City massacre or the Quebec City mosque – used legal weapons, the issue of gun ownership and control remains hotter than ever. We are witnesses to a trivialization that is difficult to explain, even if we have some avenues of understanding.

On this December 6, as we think of the 14 young women who fell under the guns, there is, however, reason to celebrate.

Because in recent months, things have been moving.

Last April, the Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, announced an amount of $ 223 million to fight domestic violence. Money which, in the opinion of many workers in the field, went into the field and helped reduce waiting lists and increase the service offer to victims and to violent men. .

Another reason to be happy: the establishment of a court specializing in sexual and domestic violence.

Then, last week, Minister Guilbault announced the introduction of anti-reconciliation bracelets, a source of security for women who live in fear of seeing their violent ex-spouse appear. Unfortunately, this program does not apply to abusers who have served a sentence of two years or more in a federal penitentiary. We therefore hope that Ottawa will follow suit with Quebec.

Finally, on Sunday, more than two months after the creation of the Centaur squad which fights against arms trafficking, Minister Geneviève Guilbault presented her plan to prevent crime among young people.

A response from the Legault government to the demands of community groups who, in the aftermath of the assassination of Thomas Trudel, highlighted the lack of resources to intervene with young people. Their message was heard in Quebec, which offers them recurring funding over four or five years, depending on the program. It’s a great start. We must hope that this funding will not be a simple reaction to a crisis situation, but an achievement that will not be called into question in five years.

Will all of these measures eradicate misogyny, violence and crime overnight?

Of course not. Prevention takes time. But its effects last longer.

And on this sad anniversary, we can say that Quebec is on the right track.