Press release
Shooting in Côte-des-Neiges: the QFL denounces anti-feminist and masculinist violence

The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of those killed or injured in the shooting that occurred yesterday in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood. We also acknowledge the work of first responders and all those who came to the aid of the victims under extremely difficult circumstances.

Beyond the emotion and indignation sparked by this act of violence, the QFL believes it is essential to name what appears to have motivated the attack. According to publicly available information, the shooter adhered to the incel ideology and left behind a manifesto marked by hatred of women, anti-feminism, and calls for violence.

“We refuse to treat this attack as a tragedy without cause or context. The anti-feminist, masculinist, and hateful discourses that are increasingly circulating openly in public spaces and online have very real consequences. They fuel radicalization, normalize violence, and threaten the safety of women as well as social cohesion. Behind this hatred often lies a broader project of social regression, which calls into question equality between women and men, their economic autonomy, and their full participation in the labour market. The QFL will continue to stand alongside those who fight these ideologies and who defend a society based on equality, respect, and solidarity,” states QFL President Magali Picard.

The QFL recalls that equality between women and men, respect for diversity, and the fight against all forms of violence are fundamental values of the labour movement.

“As men, we also have a responsibility. It is not enough to state that not all men share these ideas. We must actively denounce discourses that normalize misogyny, challenge models of masculinity based on domination, and help build workplaces and communities where respect and equality are never negotiable,” adds QFL General Secretary Olivier Carrière.

In the face of rising hate speech and the normalization of violence against women, the QFL reaffirms its commitment to promoting equality, solidarity, and social justice.

The QFL, the largest labour federation in Quebec, represents more than 600,000 workers.

Translated into English by SEU800 from the original French-language press release.