Nova Scotians Remember Women Who Lost Their Lives to Gender Violence

Nova Scotians gathered today to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Today, Dec. 6, marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 young women at l'École Polytenchnique de Montréal in 1989.

"This unthinkable tragedy is a defining moment in history that so many Canadians will never forget," said Joanne Bernard, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act.

"On this day, we remember and raise awareness to ensure something like this doesn't happen again."

Minister Bernard joined filmmaker and Mount Saint Vincent University's Nancy's Chair in Women's Studies Catherine Martin, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and guests at an event at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. Mi'kmaq Elder Dorene Bernard started the event with an opening prayer and welcome.

"This year's theme, Your Actions Matter, is one that invites and encourages us all to pause and ask what actions am I taking to stop gender-based violence, what actions can I take to help end violence against women and girls, and what am I doing to challenge the culture in my family, community and social circle that allows the culture of sexism, misogyny, racism and other forms of oppression to thrive in our everyday world," said Senator Bernard, past chair of the Nova Scotian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

"Once you recognize the connection between sexism and misogyny, racism, ableism, heterosexism and homophobia in our culture and the violence against women and girls, you recognize the power you have to change it."

"Everyone has a role in ending gender-based violence," said Minister Bernard. "We all have the right to be safe and protected, and I'm proud to stand alongside Nova Scotians and Canadians as we work together to tackle this issue."

Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #youractionsmatter.