December 4, 2009

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General, on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte

OTTAWA—These names of the 14 students murdered at the École Polytechnique de Montréal on that fateful day, December 6, 1989, still speak to us, reminding us among other things of a fundamental and decisive issue for humanity's future:  gender parity.

We must remain vigilant against all forms of misogyny, against intimidation and exploitation in the form of barriers to the advancement of women's equality. Against the brutality of intransigence that allows schoolgirls to be attacked with acid. Against all attacks on the physical and psychological integrity of girls and women.

May this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women be an occasion for all of us to reflect on the sanctity of respect for others, in absolute equality.           

Michaëlle Jean

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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is on December 6, 2009.

Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca 
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca