Department of Justice

MINISTER OF JUSTICE MARKS THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE POLYTECHNIQUE TRAGEDY

OTTAWA, December 4, 1998 - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today called on Canadians to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The Minister was speaking to the 8th Annual Fundraising Breakfast to Combat Violence Against Women and Children in Edmonton, Alberta.

"The École polytechnique tragedy galvanized a large number of Canadians into taking action against violence against women, and into holding activities to raise awareness and educate the public about the horror of violence against women. I offer my sincere thanks to those of you on the front lines who help victims of violence not only escape the violence but overcome the emotional scars it leaves behind.

The efforts of those committed to eliminating violence against women has led, this week, to the implementation of the Firearms Act. I want to recognize the thousands of Canadians who worked tirelessly to achieve this important goal.

On December 6, Canadians - from all walks of life – join together to remember the families of the École polytechnique tragedy. May we work together to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated."

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established by Parliament in 1991 to commemorate the 14 young women whose lives were lost December 6, 1989 at École polytechnique in Montreal. It is a time to remember all women who are victims of violence.

Ref.:        Pierre Gratton
             Minister’s Office
             (613) 992-4621