The massacre of fourteen young Canadian women in Montreal while they were at school happened ten years ago this December 6th, and yet the image of their murder is still as vivid today. These women were separated from the males before being shot. Media reports indicate that this man killed them because they were women, and he despised their advancement in society.
I believe that December 6th is a day to grieve. But I also believe it is a day to take stock and gain courage from one another in order to then take action. Violence is in our communities. It is in our entire society. For me, December 6th represents a joining of forces to collectively declare that the existence of brutal aggression against individuals is not acceptable, under any circumstances. I want to publicly join the voices of outrage against this and all violent acts.
A safe, healthy community where women are not exposed to violence or the threat of violence is acceptable. Women and children filled with a sense of their enormous potential and not of fear or shame or helplessness is acceptable. Nothing short of equality is acceptable, and I think we can continue to work together to achieve it. There are many Islanders working toward this end, but there is always room for more. We all have a part to play in fighting this important battle against violence and, by working together, people can combat the violence, or the threat of violence, that restricts the actions of so many women in our Prince Edward Island communities and in our nation.
Once a person looks beyond the surface of things, it is not hard to see the violence that is everywhere; awareness of it is the first step. People can easily learn how to recognize the early warning signs of violence that come from emotional, verbal, sexual, mental and physical abuse. If people find out about the anti-violence activities and services available in their own community, then they can take the next step of sharing the information with friends and family. If people could volunteer their time, or money, to organizations that work on the problem of violence, then I believe that violence would not stand a chance.
I would like to invite others to join me on December 6, 1999 to commemorate the Montreal Massacre. The commemoration acknowledges both the grief that people experience as a result of the violent deaths of these young women, and the hope that Canadians continue to take action necessary against further violence in our society. If you live closer to Summerside, attend the service at St. Paul's Church. If you live closer to Charlottetown, attend the service at the University of Prince Edward Island Chapel. Both services are on Monday, December 6th , 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. You will be one of many mourning the violence; with your involvement, you will be one of the many working for change. Thank you.
Sharon O'Brien, Advisory Council Chairperson