VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley, issued the following statement in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day commemorates the tragic shooting at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 and falls during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
“On this day in 1989 fourteen women were killed simply because they were women. This gender-based violence continues across Canada and around the world each and every day, disproportionately impacting LGBTQ2+ communities, people of colour, those who are differently abled, and migrants and refugees.
“Gender-based violence manifests itself broadly across our culture. As we unite to end the violence we must also address the sexist and hateful rhetoric that perpetuates it. This means committing to a full cultural shift in our workplaces, public institutions, homes and communities. We must take action so that everyone can live free from violence and discrimination.
“Today we reflect upon the lives that have been lost and forever changed by gender-based violence. 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, and Annie Turcotte lost their lives that day. As we observe a moment of silence in their memory I urge you to get involved and help us build a future free from gender-based violence.”
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