Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nation-wide efforts of men and women who are working towards ending violence against women.
December 6th is the anniversary of the 1989 Montreal massacre in which 14 women were killed at the hands of a man who had a deep hatred of women. In response to this atrocity, the Canadian government proclaimed December 6th as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Commemorative events occur on this day across Canada, including here in the NWT, to remember the women killed and to continue action to end violence in all its forms.
The White Ribbon Campaign is a national campaign that started in 1991 in response to the Montreal massacre. Its purpose is to end men's violence against women. The campaign, started by men, targets men of all ages to:
- • do educational work in schools, workplaces and communities on the issue of men's violence;
- • support local women's groups; and
- • wear a white ribbon during November 25 to December 6th - this ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Mr. Speaker, in these past few weeks, we have heard from Members of this House, as well as groups across the Territories, that violence in our society, in our communities and our families, continues to be a destructive force. I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations to speak out against violence in all its forms.
I ask Members, leaders and organizations to join me in supporting the White Ribbon Campaign and community events commemorating the December 6th National Day of
Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. White ribbons will be available to Members prior to November 25th. As in the past years, the YWCA, in partnership with other organizations will be holding a vigil on December 6th in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, as one Member has already stated in this session, speaking out against violence should not only happen on special days or weeks that we designate. It should be a part of our daily actions and reflected in the ongoing work of this Assembly. Participation in and support for these upcoming events is one way to continue our commitment to strive to eliminate violence against women. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause