Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER MARKING CANADA’S NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

December 6, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the occasion of Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women 2006, marking the 17th anniversary of the murder of 14 young women at l’École polytechnique de Montréal.

“On December 6, 1989, the killing of 14 young women at l’École polytechnique de Montréal shocked Canadians across the land. As we mark this sad anniversary, let us renew our national resolve to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

“The motive behind the Montreal Massacre was hatred of women. That made it doubly horrifying because Canada not only prides itself as one of the most peaceful societies in the world, but also one that recognizes gender equality and upholds the rights of women.

“Violent crime in any form is unacceptable. “Peace, Order and Good Government” are the founding principles of Canada, and Canada’s New Government is committed to upholding all three. Canadians regard safe streets and peaceful communities as their birthright, and we are taking action to protect these elemental characteristics of Canadian society.

“We are providing more resources for policing, toughening sentencing and parole laws, expanding crime prevention initiatives, and giving victims a stronger voice in the justice system. We are making the streets safer for everyone: men, women and children. As the most vulnerable members of our society, children will especially benefit from these initiatives which also include raising the age of consent from 14 to 16.

“Remembrance and action; one inspires the other. As we remember those who were lost in the Montréal Massacre, we also commit ourselves to taking action to end violence against all Canadians, in all its forms.”

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