It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country, and December 6 was designated as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

As we mourn their loss and remember the lives of the 14 women, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about acknowledging women who have experienced gender-based violence and remembering those who we have lost as result of such violence. It is also a time to take action.  Working together, we can help prevent and address gender-based violence by remembering and learning from our past, listening to survivors, and speaking out against harmful behaviour.

This December 6, let us work towards a Canada that is free of gender-based violence by using our voices to speak up against violence and harassment against women and girls.

Ways you can observe December 6

• Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home or order one online.
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am.
• Find out if your local union is holding an event, or attend a vigil in your community.
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.