The City Marks the Montréal Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against
Women and Girls

MONTREAL, Dec. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Montrealers will never forget the tragic events of December 6, 1989. Montréal Mayor Gérald Tremblay and Ms. Helen Fotopulos, Member of the Executive Committee Responsible for Culture, Heritage, Design and the Status of Women have reaffirmed the promise by Montréal's elected representatives to combat violence against women and girls. At its November 22 meeting, the City Council adopted the Declaration Marking the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls.

"We have a duty to remember the 14 women who died so tragically on December 6, 1989. We must not merely recall that event, but make daily efforts to prevent violence toward women and children. The Council's Declaration furthers our commitment to keep Montréal one of North America's safest cities, particularly in view of women's specific needs," the Mayor said.

In tribute to the victims' memories, elected officials will wear a white ribbon on December 6. Such ribbons have also been distributed to city workers.

"Commemoration of the massacre that occurred 21 years ago is the appropriate time to ardently reaffirm our fundamental values, which are based on such principles as sexual equality. We wish to restate our desire to continue living in a peaceful and inclusive society. We firmly believe that personal integrity and safety is central to quality of life and we shall deploy all of our energies to vigorously safeguard these principles," added Ms. Fotopulos.

The City Administration has engaged in many actions and made multiple commitments to support the inclusion of women and to enhance their status. In 2008, the city adopted a policy on Equal Participation in City Life by Men and Women and a related 2008-2012 action plan. The city, in conjunction with the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, the Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale and the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles, has also supported a number of projects focusing on women.

This was the text adopted at the City Council Meeting of November 22, 2010:

Declaration Marking the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls

Whereas no one should forget the tragic deaths of 14 young women at the École polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989;

Whereas Canada's Parliament declared December 6 the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women;

Whereas the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities emphasizes the crucial importance of personal physical integrity and safety to our quality of life;

In Consideration of the United National Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;

Whereas the United Nations adopted Declaration 48/104 on the Elimination of Violence against Women in December 1993;

Whereas sexual equality is a fundamental principle of law in our society;

Whereas violence unfortunately continues to undermine the daily lives of many women and girls;

Whereas our society must pursue its efforts to combat violence against women;

Whereas violence is a universal phenomenon, regardless of culture or religion, that exists in all societies and in all social classes;

THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THEREBY RESOLVE:

That Montréal will mark December 6 as the Montréal Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls;

That Montréal strongly condemns violence against women and girls, which constitutes a violation of basic human rights;

That Montréal, as the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities emphasizes, agrees to take into account, inter alia, the specific needs of women, in building the city.

For further information:

Source:	Darren Becker Office of the Mayor and of the Executive Committee 514-872-6412
FFI:	Renée Pageau Relations avec les médias 514-868-4580