Calls for action to end gender-based violence as Manitoba marks anniversary of 'the Montréal Massacre'
As Manitobans commemorated the anniversary of the 1989 massacre that left 14 women dead, advocates say more action is still needed to stop violence against women more than 30 years since the deadly shooting.
On Dec. 6, 1989, an armed man walked into École Polytechnique de Montréal and began shooting. He killed 14 women and injured 13 others in an anti-feminist attack that has now become known as 'the Montréal Massacre.'
Since then, the day has been marked as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
During a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature on Monday, Premier Heather Stefanson commemorated the anniversary of the shooting and said there is still more that needs to be done to end violence against women.
"More than 70 per cent of victims of domestic homicide are women. It is important that we recognize this because recognizing it is a first step in addressing it and putting an end to it," Stefanson said.
"Every day we hear stories of women in Canada and beyond who are facing violence, but we also hear many stories of women who are survivors and today is also about those individuals."
Humaira Jaleel, executive director of Healthy Muslim Families, said violence against women has gotten worse in recent years.
"As the pandemic hit, violence against women became its own pandemic. It reached proportions we had not seen before," Jaleel said.
"The victims of the pandemic were unequivocally women, and sometimes newcomer and racialized women suffered much. This was not a surprise."
She said work is being done to address this violence. She commended the province for its actions to create new services including crisis lines and funding to support victims of violence.
"No doubt the work is being done, but I know this – ending violence against women will require even more leadership, more action and more investment and funding."
Diane Redsky, executive director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, said this year is also the 50th anniversary of the brutal murder Helen Betty Osborne.
READ MORE: Helen Betty Osborne: The Cree woman whose brutal murder helped expose racism in the justice system
"We have so much significant work to do for Indigenous women and girls in this province," Redsky said.
"The urban approach to stop this genocide and to end gender and race-based violence calls for the end of the status quo, to shifting power, decision-making and resources to support local and grassroots initiatives regardless of where you live."
Redsky pointed to the 31 recommendations to address violence against two-spirit, LGBTQQIA people outlined in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Minister Cathy Cox, Manitoba's minister responsible for the status of women, said it is important to look at why these actions took place and what actions can be taken – both individually and collectively – to ensure it never happens again.
"December 6 is also a time that we remember the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality. Gender-based violence is a reality. It is a reality here in Manitoba, in Canada and across the globe," she said.
Anyone who is in an abusive relationship can call the toll-free 24-hour province-wide domestic abuse crisis line at 1-877-977-0007 or text 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682
More resources and supports can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.