Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government hosted a sunrise ceremony at the Legislative Building to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.
“Today we honour the 14 women who were murdered at Montreal’s École Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989, in an act of hatred and misogyny,” said Fontaine. “Their lives were stolen, but their memories continue to guide our work. As a community, we come together to honour every life lost to gender-based violence and stand with survivors. This is more than a ceremony — it is a collective commitment to continue the work of ending violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people.”
The minister noted community members, survivors, families, advocates and partners in the gender-based violence sector gathered for the sunrise ceremony this morning in the Rotunda of the Legislative Building. The ceremony included reflection and space to honour those lost to gender-based violence and those who continue to be impacted.
“The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a reminder that every student deserves to learn, grow and thrive in an environment free of violence,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable. “Our government is committed to working with partners in the post-secondary sector to ensure campuses are safe places where all students can pursue their futures without fear.”
The Manitoba government continues to work with community partners, advocates and survivors to support prevention programs, strengthen services and advance gender equity across the province. Last week, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a $12.5-million investment to prevent and address gender-based violence and strengthen supports for survivors and their families. This funding is in addition to more than $22 million the Manitoba government provides annually through the Gender-Based Violence Program to support programs and services provincewide.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is recognized annually across Canada as a time for both grief and renewed commitment to ending gender-based violence.
For more information about Manitoba’s Gender-Based Violence Program, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wage/gbvp/about.html.