National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Today, we remember the 14 women who were killed at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal 35 years ago and all those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.

This solemn anniversary is a time to reflect on the harmful effects of patriarchy that put women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people at disproportionate risk of violence simply because of their gender. We are reminded that other aspects of identity further increase this risk. The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people has made this clear.  The increased incidents of violence against young women, trans people and women with disabilities also are evidence of this crisis.

As a City, we re-commit ourselves to stopping gender-based violence in all its forms, and to creating communities that are safe for women, girls, Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse people.