Ottawa, Ontario – On Saturday, December 6, 2008, we will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. For MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, 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 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 Ms. 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.

“It is important to pay tribute to the women who were killed and to recognize that thousands of women are still victims of violence, here in Canada and around the world,” added Ms. O’Neill-Gordon.

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

“As a member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women and the Member for Miramichi, I take this opportunity to offer my support to all the women in my riding who have experienced or are still experiencing violence. I also encourage men to be tolerant and open-minded,” said Ms. O’Neill-Gordon.