The Defence Team commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6, 2021 - Defence Stories

On December 6, the Defence Team will observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1991 to mark the anniversary of the 1989 murders of 14 women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal, who were killed because of their gender.

On December 6, 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

As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, 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 gender diverse individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is also a time to take action to create safe homes, communities, and workplaces for everyone. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves, their families and communities on gender-based violence, ensure the voices and views of those with lived experience guide our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website), an annual international campaign that provides people around the world with an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence. The campaign runs until December 10. Add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence using the hashtag #16Days.

Supports and services for Defence Team members and their families

If you, or someone you know has experienced gender-based violence, please consider contacting the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre for confidential support, or one of the many support services and resources available to Defence Team members. Our priority is to provide comprehensive support to affected persons in a way that meets their individual needs and empowers them to come forward or seek assistance without fear of reprisal or further harm. To learn more, visit Get help following an incident of sexual misconduct.

If you would like to learn more about options for filing a complaint or reporting an incident involving a Defence Team member, consult the Workplace conflict, misconduct, and harassment resolution web page. Affected persons who choose to file an official report will be well supported and kept informed throughout the process.