December 6, 2012 

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

OTTAWA— Be it physical or psychological, violence has no place in our society. For many years, December 6 has been the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

On that day, in 1989, a man killed 13 students and one employee in cold blood at the École Polytechnique de Montréal simply because they were women. Our most basic rights were assaulted by that senseless act that, not surprisingly, horrified and angered Canadians right across our country. Thousands of mourners attended the funerals of these women in a show of solidarity and to pay tribute to the victims. I can only imagine the overwhelming sorrow of the families and friends who lost a loved one on that terrible day.

Today, my thoughts also turn to the women and men who were injured and to those who suffered, or continue to suffer, the consequences of that abhorrent attack. Such tragedies are a cruel reminder that we have not yet won the fight against violence. Our society has made great strides towards gender equality, but there remains much to be done.

On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, I commend everyone taking concrete action to put an end to violence against women and girls in our communities and around the world. 

David Johnston

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Media information:
Marie-Pierre Bélanger
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-9166
marie-pierre.belanger@gg.ca
 

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