National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 2021

December 6, 2021

It has been 32 years since a mass shooting at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal ended the lives of 14 young women. In the wake of this tragic event, Parliament designated December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada.

Each year on this date, we wear white ribbons in remembrance of:

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

As we reflect on their lives and mourn their loss, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) and gender diverse individuals.

Gender-based violence prevents full and equal participation in public life, it damages mental and physical health, has a negative effect on the economy, and is detrimental to our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified and amplified this. Police services, shelters, and local organizations across the country have reported an increase in calls related to gender-based violence during the pandemic.

As much as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembrance and reflection, it is also a day of action. As members of one human family, we have a responsibility to speak out, raise awareness, and create tangible plans to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination. To create a culture of inclusion and respect, we all must play our part.