The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour:
“Today marks 25 years since the tragedy at L’Ecole Polytechnique, where 14 women were shot and killed for simply being women striving towards an education in the trades.
We still have a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to recognizing and taking action to combat violence against women.
The recent comments by Justice Minister Peter Mackay are evidence of this. When speaking about the 14 women who so brutally lost their lives in 1989, he said ‘…while we may never understand what occurred, why this happened, why these women were singled out for this horrific act of violence, we have to stand together.’
Minister Mackay may want to turn his back on the truth, but everyone else knows why these women were singled out – it was because they were women training to go into trades. It was no secret.
Mackay’s comments serve as a reminder of how vigilant we must continue to be in making sure that violence against women and girls is recognized and condemned.
On this Day of Remembrance and Action, we need to consider the women and girls for whom violence is still a daily occurrence, and reflect on how such gender based violence is perpetuated.
We must ensure that women are not left out of the blueprints of community planning. This day should serve as an opportunity to re-commit to the challenge ahead – and for governments of all stripes to take the steps necessary to advance equity in our society.”
Irene Lanzinger will be participating in the End Violence Against Women 4th Annual Candlelight Vigil.
December 6, 2014
4:30pm to 5:30pm
Holland Park, Surrey