Ottawa – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of Health, and Minister Responsible for the Territories today reflected on the marking of the 20th year anniversary of the l’école Polytechnique massacre. Two decades ago today, 14 young women were killed at l’école Polytechnique de Montreal for no other reason than they were women. This act of gender-based violence shocked the nation and also served to focus peoples’ attention on the troubling problem of violence against women.
In 1991 the Parliament of Canada established today as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
"I want to take this time to remember all the women who we have lost over the years to domestic violence throughout Nunavut," Aglukkaq said. “Violence and the threat of violence continues to be a daily reality for many women in Nunavut and across Canada,” Aglukkaq continued. “Violence against women comes in many forms and all of us need to come together to help stop this problem that destroys families, communities and harms women physically, mentally and emotionally. It was an honour and a privilege to serve as Minister responsible for the Status of Women in the Nunavut Government, one which I hold near to my heart," Aglukkaq said.
“As we move forward, I want to encourage all women and children to always continue to strive for greatness and I fully believe that every one of us has the ability to do something special. We need to continue to work at ensuring women can participate and live freely and equally in society, free from violence and discrimination,” Aglukkaq concluded.
Violence against women is a serious problem that all levels of government, police, the justice system, civil society and other stakeholders must work together to end.
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue or any other matter, please contact Leona’s office at:
Phone: 613.992.2848/866.267.7701
Fax: 613.996.9764/867.979.4193
Email:
Aglukkaq.L@parl.gc.ca 
