Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women with the following statement:

“Today, we remember Dec. 6, 1989, the day 14 young women were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montreal.

“We commemorate those whose lives ended in a tragic act of violence against women: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

“Here in British Columbia, we must work together to end violence against women, and our government is committed to doing just that.

“Our long-term Vision for a Violence Free BC strategy lays out our plan to prevent, respond to and rebuild from all forms of violence. Through civil forfeiture grants we support on-the-ground efforts of organizations that share our dedication to eliminating violence against women.

“Under the Provincial Domestic Violence Plan, we are also investing in programs to increase safety for individuals and communities by strengthening the systemic response to domestic violence, including programs for Aboriginal families, directing services for perpetrators and improving access to services and social housing for survivors in rural and remote communities.

“Through VictimLinkBC (1 800 563-0808), callers have 24/7 access to confidential, multilingual help and information and www.saysomethingbc.ca offers safe ways to help someone who may be experiencing abuse.

“But much remains to be done. Our work is strengthened if we address violence against women together. Let us commit to end the violence many women face and to support those who rebuild from its devastating effects.

“Today – and every day – we choose to act: what will you do?”