Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton and Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux have issued the following joint statement in recognition of the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“Today we take the time to remember and honour the 14 young women who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989.

“It has been 25 years since this event shocked our nation, when these women lost their lives in a horrific act of female-focused violence.

“Today marks an opportunity to condemn this and all acts of violence against women and girls. It is not just heart-wrenching events like the tragedy that day that must be prevented, but all acts of violence and abuse.

“The Province continues to support female victims of violence through more than 100 transition house programs and over 400 victim service and violence-against-women counselling and outreach programs.

“Earlier this year, we released the three-year Provincial Domestic Violence Plan, invested $5.5 million in civil forfeiture grants to take further action on the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI) recommendations, helped support or establish Domestic Violence Units, and provided financial support to programs focused on the prevention of violence against women and girls.

“In the 2014 speech from the throne, government committed to introducing a provincial strategy to prevent, respond to, and rebuild from the impacts of violence against women. The Violence Free BC strategy will serve as a blueprint for addressing violence against women and girls in our province over the long term.

“We want all women who are at risk, or who know someone who is, to know that support is always available. Call your local police or VictimLink BC - our toll-free, confidential telephone service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 110 languages at 1 800 563-0808.”

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Provincial Office of Domestic Violence
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1553/250 213-5572