Karla MacFarlane statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:
Today, we remember 14 young, smart and talented women who fell victim to a senseless hate crime. Whose lives were suddenly taken at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, an event that has become known as the Montreal Massacre. It’s important to remember their lives were targeted because they were women. Women who were pursuing an education in a male dominated field of engineering and who the shooter called “feminists.” As Canada’s worst mass shooting, it is a defining moment in our history.
December 6, has been named the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day serves as an opportunity for Canadians, men, women and youth to reflect on the prevalence violence against women and for us as a society to consider concrete actions to eliminate gender-based violence in our communities. Although women have come a long way since this tragedy, we must consider the many women and girls for whom violence is still a daily reality. We all have a role to play in eradicating gender-based violence and we encourage everyone to continue raising awareness, not just today, but every day. To join in on the conversation online use the hashtag #ActionsMatter.