National Day Of Remembrance And Action On Violence Against Women

December 6, 2007
 

On December 6, 1989, a young male engineering student walked into L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montréal and opened fire, shooting 27 female engineering students. Fourteen of these women died, making this the worst mass murder in the history of this country.

Eighteen years later I believe it is more important than ever that we remember the events of December 6, 1989.  Eighteen years have not dimmed the sadness and anger stemming from that terrible day, but they have strengthened our resolve in eliminating violence against women.  Please stop for a moment and remember those women who were killed 18 years ago.

Violence against women in Canada did not begin with the Montreal massacre. And it did not end there either. Thousands of women and children across this country have been victims of violence in the years since that tragedy. Today too many women continue to live in the shadow of violence and abuse.

Violence against women occurs all too frequently. It continues to have tragic consequences for women's lives and significant social and economic costs. What can we do about this? One thing we must do is to become more aware of this issue. We must get involved in organizing or supporting anti-violence campaigns and initiatives. We must acknowledge other forms of family and societal violence. Violence affects us all. We all have a responsibility to address it.

We are proud of those who work tirelessly for equality, and we support the work that they do. On December 6, many gather to show that we will continue to work toward a society that truly values both women and men and where violence will not be tolerated

Seek out and attend activities in your community and bring the awareness of this issue of violence against women a priority.

A message in support and solidarity from your Provincial Womens Committee, OPSEU.