The Province of Prince Edward Island today undertook a series of measures to acknowledge the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
“Violence against women is simply unacceptable in any form,” said Premier Pat Binns. “It’s important for all Islanders to work together to try and eliminate this problem and prevent family violence from happening.”
On December 6, 1989, an armed assailant murdered 14 young women on the campus of L’École Polytechnique in Montreal. The tragic impact of that day led to the creation of a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
“December 6, is a day of mourning,” said Kirstin Lund, Chairperson of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. “We must never forget those 14 young women who were murdered because they were women. I encourage all Islanders to view this Day of Remembrance as an opportunity for reflection and action.”
The measures being undertaken include the Annual Purple Ribbon Campaign Against Violence by the PEI Advisory Council on the Status Of Women; the flying at half-mast of flags at all provincial government buildings on December 6; a statement of remembrance and moment of silence in the Provincial Legislature; and a public Memorial Service for those who have tragically lost their lives to violence against women.
“Now is the time to renew our commitment and efforts to eliminate family violence. Too many of our homes and communities are still not free from violence, and they will not be until all the root causes of violence are fully understood and effectively dealt with,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.