Liberal Statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6, 2013

MONTRÉAL AND OTTAWA— The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made the following statement today on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“Twenty-four years ago today, 14 women were targeted because of their gender and senselessly murdered at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal.

“Today, I will be joining those in Montréal commemorating this tragic act of hatred. We must remember that violence against women remains a very real issue in Canada and around the world. While there are women in Canada living under the threat of violence, there is work that can and must be done.

“I join Canadians today in solemn remembrance of the victims of gender-based violence, and in resolute commitment to assuring the health, safety and equality of women in Canada and worldwide.”

Liberal Status of Women Critic, Kirsty Duncan, continued:

“The anniversary of the massacre at l’École Polytechnique reminds Canadians of an issue that remains all too real for women. In Canada, more than 3,000 women on any given day are seeking refuge from violence.

“This is an issue that affects all of us. Today, 67% of Canadians have said they personally know at least one woman who has been a victim of physical or sexual violence. On behalf of these daughters, wives, sisters and mothers, we must continue working to combat gender-based violence.”