National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6, 2007

Message from Honourable Ida Chong
Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues

Each year we commemorate December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal.

While December 6 reminds us of horrific violence, in the 18 years since that tragedy, this day has become a call to affect change and remember all women whose lives have been touched by violence.

December 6 represents an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls whose lives are affected by violence on a daily basis and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.

Each one of us has a responsibility to stop the violence. Silence is complicity and we must speak out. Though the provincial government spends nearly $50 million annually to support prevention initiatives as well as front-line services that help women and girls who have experienced violence and services for children who have witnessed abuse, government funding is only one pillar in building the foundation that will help stop the cycle of violence.

December 6 is about more than remembering. It’s also about taking leadership to end violence. Let us consider what we can do, individually and collectively, to help heal the victims of violence and build a safer future for our daughters, wives, sisters and mothers as well as every woman in British Columbia. Together we can make a difference.

Yours truly,

Ida Chong, FCGA
Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues