Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

December 06, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women:
 
“On December 6, 1989, 14 bright, talented, young women were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in one of the most tragic acts of violence against women in our country’s history.  Their deaths galvanized the need to end violence against women in the hearts and minds of Canadians.
 
“Soon after this tragedy, a powerful resolve grew out of a simple statement to ‘first mourn, then work for change.’  As we mark the 20th anniversary of this tragic event, Canadians remain committed to preventing and eliminating violence against women while making our communities safer for all of us.
 
“Canadians have not permitted the impact of December 6 to fade.  Our determination to end violence in all its forms remains strong.  Today, people from coast to coast to coast will pause to reflect on and renew their commitment to ending violence against women.
 
“Today, on Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, we should all take time to remember and reaffirm our commitment to continue working to protect the lives, dignity and equality of all women.”