December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On December 6 we observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women—a solemn day in Canada to honour the lives lost to gender-based violence and to recommit ourselves to creating safer, more equitable spaces for all women and gender-diverse people.

December 6 marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy, when 14 young women were targeted and murdered simply because they were women. Today, we remember their names, their futures, and their contributions that were stolen:

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

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour continues its work to address gender-based violence and advance gender equality. This work includes:

Advancing safer, more inclusive workplaces free from harassment, discrimination, and violence

Promoting education and awareness on issues such as harassment, domestic violence, and workplace safety

Working with our affiliated unions to end gender-based violence

Today, we honour the victims by recommitting ourselves to action—to challenging misogyny, supporting survivors, and continuing the work toward a world where violence has no place.