Twenty years ago, on December 6th 1989, a young man
entered a classroom at l’Ecole Polytechnique at the University of
Montreal, separated the men from the women, declared his hatred for
feminists and then shot and killed 6 of the female students. Then he
moved through the hallways and, before killing himself, he had murdered
14 women.
I can still see the TV images of ambulances rushing away
through the snow while incredulous reporters tried to explain what had
happened.
Despite the outpouring of anti-violence activism that
swept the country in the months and years after that night, including a
lot of work and fund raising by unions, half of all Canadian women will
still be victimized by physical, sexual or psychological abuse by a
male. One to two women are still being murdered every week by a current
or former partner.
Young women under 25 years of age are at the highest
level of risk. Study after study has shown that harassment, sexual
assault and abuse from male friends are all shockingly "normal" for
girls growing up today. This violence can set the stage for a lifetime
of instability for young women.
I'm sure that as you reflect on these sobering facts,
you will also think of someone in your circle, in your neighbourhood, in
your local who has experienced abuse or violence and who needed help.
December 6th has become the National Day for
Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This is very much
in keeping with our view in the labour movement that there is a time to
mourn and there is a time to organize and continue our work for change.
In that spirit, I would like to draw your attention to
one unique program that has been working for fifteen years now to assist
women and children leaving violent homes.
The December 6th Fund raises money in the Greater
Toronto Area and Peel Region to offer interest-free loans to women who
need finance help to achieve a measure of safety. Lack of money is not
the only reason many women stay in an abusive setting. But it is a
significant concern for most women. That's where the December 6th Fund
comes in. With modest loans, it has helped hundreds of women and their
children start a new home.
In 2007, this terrific project became the YWCA
December 6th Fund and its good work has continued. I'm very proud
that OPSEU was among the many progressive groups that helped get it
going.
Wouldn't it be great if every YWCA in Ontario had
a similar December 6th Fund? If your local wants to help make that
happen, you can get more information at
www.dec6fund.ca
To help you to put forward a motion calling for a moment
of silent remembrance at any event you are attending, here are the names
and ages in 1989 of the 14 women murdered at l’Ecole Polytechnique:
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Maryse Laganière, 25
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Maryse Leclair, 23
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Anne-Marie Lemay, 27
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Sonia Pelletier, 23
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Michèle Richard, 21
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Annie St-Arneault, 23
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Annie Turcotte, 21
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