Statement from Cathy Cox, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women–Today we recognize Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, noting while progress has been made, there is still much to be accomplished on this critical issue.
Gender-based violence is a reality here in Manitoba, in Canada and globally. We know that women experience violence at a significantly higher rate. We must collectively create dialogue, pursue change, and challenge notions and comments that perpetuate violence against women in our homes, workplaces and communities.
Today honours the memories and lives of the 14 young women who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal over 30 years ago in 1989. This tragic loss happened decades ago, but we still feel the loss of these women and of the countless women who have been killed over the intervening years – just because they are women. This is a day for reflection but also to recommit ourselves to action to address gender-based violence and create a better society for women and men in the decades ahead.
December 6 is also a time to remember the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality. More than 70 per cent of domestic homicide victims are women and this violence continues to be reality for many women and their children who flee a violent household every day.
A ceremony is being held today at 10:30 a.m. to commemorate the women’s lives lost in Montreal and to gender-based violence. Manitobans are invited to join virtually by viewing the livestream of this event at www.news.gov.mb.ca.
Canadian flags on all federal and provincial buildings are flown at half-mast today to honour the memory of the victims. This evening, the Manitoba legislative building will be lit with a white ribbon to commemorate today’s memorial.