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Canadians everywhere stand up for women’s rights

Dec 6, 2014 | 2:24 PM

This Saturday is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Twenty-five years ago on Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women lost their lives and 10 were injured in a shooting that specifically targeted women at the École Polytechnique de Montréal.

The massacre continues to have people all across Canada talking about possible solutions for ending violence against women.

Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, minister of labour and minister of Status of Women released a statement to honour the women who were killed that day.

“The victims of this abhorrent act were targeted simply because they were women,” said Leitch.

The day has become a symbol of change across the country. Many cities, including Prince Albert, have hosted, or are hosting, memorials in honour of the women who were either killed or injured, by 25-year-old Marc Lepine.

“As we remember this tragic event and honour the memory of all the women who have been victimized by violence, we must also denounce violence against women and girls in all forms,” said Leitch.

The Prince Albert memorial on Friday brought awareness to issues many people are too afraid to speak about and it encouraged everyone to work together to stop violence against women altogether.

You can view the following links for information about how the federal government is honouring the women who died at the École Polytechnique de Montréal and what it is doing to end the violence.

Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Government of Canada efforts to address violence against women and girls

-With files from Status of Women Canada

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter: @KaylaBruch1