6 December 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today:
"December 6, 1989 was a tragic day in our history. In what came to be known as the Montréal Massacre, 14 bright, talented young women were shot and killed in the halls and classrooms of their school, l'École polytechnique de Montréal. The victims of this terrible crime were targeted solely because they were women.
"This tragedy sent shockwaves of grief and anger across Canada and beyond, and the outrage felt by so many fuelled a determination by Canadians to work together to end violence against women.
"With this tragedy etched on our hearts, December 6th is set aside each year as Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. It is a reminder that we must continue to work to end violence in all its forms.
"On this 19th commemoration of that painful day in 1989, I urge Canadians to honour the memories of all women who have died as a result of violence, and to do what they can to work to end violence in all its forms."
