This release was issued under a previous government.
Minister Stephanie McLean hosts a vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
“December 6 marks a dark day in Canadian history. On this day in 1989, 14 young women were killed at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal. They were promising engineering students, murdered for one reason: they were women.
“It was a pre-meditated attack against women who were breaking barriers and pursuing their dreams in a field traditionally dominated by men. It was an attack on feminism fuelled by misogyny that persists today.
“Today, Albertans joined me in a vigil to remember the 14 women killed 28 years ago, to honour the lives of all women impacted by violence and to recommit ourselves to end violence against women.
“Violence against women is a national tragedy. It is a crime of power and control and is rooted in women’s inequality. Seven out of 10 Albertans have known a woman who has experienced physical or sexual abuse.
“Gender-based violence can take many forms. It can be a demeaning comment, physical or sexual violence or taking a life. In most cases, it is violence committed by men against women, and violates a woman’s fundamental right to safety and dignity.
“Every Albertan has the right to live without fear and violence. I challenge all Albertans, especially men, to take action against violence against women and girls. Stand up for a woman who is being harassed, shut down sexist language, support a survivor and mentor youth to foster healthy relationships. It’s on every single one of us to help end violence against women and girls.”
Where to go for help
- Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
- Call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 if you suspect that someone is experiencing family violence.
- Bullying Help Line: 1-888-456-2323
- Sexual Assault Centres:
- 780-482-HELP (north)
- 403-266-HELP (south)