12/22/2012 12:02:34 AM

December 6, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

"On the evening of December 6, 1989, the country stood in horror as a gunman entered l'École Polytechnique de Montréal and ended the lives of fourteen young, bright, promising women simply because they were women.

"Around the world, violence against women and girls is a sad daily reality. Our Government strongly believes in protecting the most vulnerable in society and continues to take a stand in combatting violence against women, at home and abroad, to help put an end to tragedies such as that of the Montreal Massacre.

"In Canada, we are investing in projects aimed at ending violence against women and girls in communities across the country, and we are placing victims' rights ahead of those of criminals by making our laws stronger. On the international stage, our Government is committed to playing a leadership role in the campaign to prevent sexual violence against women and girls in conflict areas.

"Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, let us join the families and friends of those lost in the Montreal Massacre and honour their memory by redoubling efforts to eradicate all violence against women and girls."