Statement by the Leader of the NDP on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

The leader of the Official Opposition Tom Mulcair made the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“December 6, 1989 is a day that will forever be etched in our collective memory.”

“2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre, in which 14 women with bright futures were shot and killed because of their gender.

“Today, we commemorate the memory of these victims and our hearts go out to their families and friends. We also take this sombre moment to recommit ourselves to taking real action to end violence against women in Canada.

Violence against women remains a serious problem in Canada. Every year, millions of Canadian women experience physical and sexual violence, and thousands seek refuge from abuse in shelters.

On December 6th, we also remember the 1,200 Indigenous women that have been killed or gone missing in Canada over the last 30 years, and reiterate our commitment to seeking justice for them by launching a national Commission of Inquiry.

Today we mourn the women whose lives have been lost due to the violence of men and we reaffirm our pledge to honour them through our actions and to ensure that all women can live in complete safety in our country.”