Mr. Speaker , today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we honour the 14 female engineering students whose lives were tragically cut short at École Polytechnique de Montréal.

We must never forget that the horrible events of December 6, 1989, were caused by gender discrimination. The acts of that day, 22 years ago, are a stark reminder of one terrible fact: Women are at risk of violence simply because they are women.

Mr. Speaker, I was about the same age as these women when they died. This tragedy changed us as a generation, as women and as a society. This tragedy pointed then and still does to the inequality that is at the root of violence against women. Whether it is the sexual exploitation of women through human trafficking or the high number of missing and murdered aboriginal women across Canada, we see that inequality in all of its forms reinforces violence against women.

The Rose Button we wear today signifies a commitment to never condone or remain silent about violence against women. It is a symbol that we will continue to work to eliminate the gap in equality between men and women.

We can make a difference as individuals; it starts with each of us asking ourselves, “What can I do?” Equality grows with each of our efforts. Let’s teach our boys and girls to value each other as equals and to demonstrate respect. As adults, we can lead by example. As Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, I am working to ensure that women live without fear of violence at home, at work or in their communities. I was proud to work with our partners to develop the Sexual Violence Action Plan.

Mr. Speaker, one third of women are victims of sexual violence. That is a startling figure. In most cases, the woman is acquainted with her attacker. The Sexual Violence Action Plan is working to improve services for victims of sexual violence and to help them heal.

As Minister of Education, I’m proud that we’ve recently introduced the Accepting Schools Act to make Ontario schools inclusive places where all kids feel safe, welcome and respected.
Speaker, almost 30% of high school girls report unwanted sexual attention, and we know that kids can’t learn when they don’t feel safe. Our goal has to be nothing short of ending violence against women and of ending the fundamental inequality at the heart of gender discrimination.

As leaders, we can ensure that all girls have equal access to all benefits of society: to grow up, to go to school and reach their potential. We can ensure that all girls in this province have the opportunity to learn in an environment where they are safe and respected.

As a woman who felt the tragedy at École Polytechnique de Montréal so personally, I want to ensure that this date is always remembered and always serves to mobilize us. Change happens, one person at a time, and each of us has a role.

Mr. Speaker, November 25 was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. We wore a white ribbon to recognize the role men can play in ending violence against women. The day began the internationally sanctioned 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which continues through to December 10.

Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, I ask all members to join me in wearing a Red Rose button. With this Rose button , we remember the women whose lives have been cut short by violence, including those who died in Montreal on December 6, 1989, and we remember women everywhere who suffer, often in silence, from abuse just because they are women.

Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to remember the 14 women who tragically lost their lives 22 years ago:
Geneviève Bergeron, age 21
Hélène Colgan, age 23
Nathalie Croteau, age 23
Barbara Daigneault, age 22
Anne-Marie Edward, age 21
Maud Haviernick, age 29
Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz, age 31
Maryse Laganière, age 25
Maryse Leclair, age 23
Anne-Marie Lemay, age 27
Sonia Pelletier, age 23
Michèle Richard, age 21
Annie St-Arneault, age 23; and
Annie Turcotte, age 21.

Let us remember their families and friends. Let’s remember those who knew their smiles and their laughter best, and let’s remember those who knew their love and still feel their loss every single day.