Je mes souviens – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Hamilton and across Canada

On this day 34 years ago 14 young women were robbed of everything they could have been when they were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal in an of violent misogyny that shook the nation.

It also led Ottawa to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Every December 6, also known as White Ribbon Day, we remember:

• Geneviève Bergeron
• Hélène Colgan
• Nathalie Croteau
• Barbara Daigneault
• Anne-Marie Edward
• Maud Haviernick
• Maryse Laganière
• Maryse Leclair
• Anne-Marie Lemay
• Sonia Pelletier
• Michèle Richard
• Annie St-Arneault
• Annie Turcotte
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

December 6 is a day to mourn their loss and remember their lives, and a time to 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, with increased calls related to gender-based violence from police services, shelters, and local organizations in Hamilton and across Canada.

Already this year 169 women and girls have been killed – mostly by men – and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is not just about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence but also a time to act.

Canadians can start by wearing a white ribbon today and observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and by educating yourself and your family members and local community on gender-based violence, centring the voices of survivors in our actions and speaking up against harmful behaviours.

Today, we remember the lost lives of the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal. Hamilton Police remain committed to eliminating violence towards women. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/6QAzZiKWKu

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) December 6, 2023