Ottawa, Ontario – On Monday, December 6, 2009, we will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  Miramichi MP Tilly O’Neill Gordon feels that raising awareness among all Canadians is crucial.

Did you know that December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women? Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the 21st anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at the École polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.
“It is unthinkable that, even today, women are victims of sexism and must still fight for equal rights,” said Mrs. O’Neill Gordon.

As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.

Finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

“I take this opportunity to encourage everyone in my riding to stand up for the rights of all women,” said Mrs. O’Neill Gordon.