Statement by The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, on Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today issued the following statement on Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

"Twenty-five years ago today, 14 young women lost their lives in a brutal attack at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. The victims of this abhorrent act were targeted simply because they were women.

As we remember this tragic event and honour the memory of all the women who have been victimized by violence, we must also denounce violence against women and girls in all forms.

Conversations are taking place all across Canada that are bringing this issue out of the shadows and into the public sphere. Canadians are asking pointed questions about how we can end this brutish behaviour once and for all.  One thing is certain: Violence against women and girls is not acceptable in our society and will not be tolerated.

As we continue to search for lasting solutions, it is important to remember that we all have the power right now to do something to stop gender-based violence.

I invite all Canadians to commemorate this day. Together, we can help shape a world that rejects violence against women and girls and eliminate it from our lives forever."

For more information:

Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
http://swc-cfc.gc.ca/commemoration/vaw-vff/index-en.html

Government of Canada efforts to address violence against women and girls
http://swc-cfc.gc.ca/violence/efforts/index-eng.html

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Tel: [phone], [email protected]