This year marks 30 years since a tragic attack took the lives of 14 young women on December 6, 1989 at the École Polythechnique de Montréal. It was an act of hate.
Those lives which were cut short must never be forgotten and their memory must push us to action. PSAC Prairies commits to doing our part in building a better world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Our union is determined to keep fighting for this vision.
This year, PSAC welcomed the Final Report of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Calls for Justice in that report must be addressed and acted upon. We will continue to fight for justice for Indigenous women and everyone who continues to face gender-based violence.
We also know there is much more to do to end domestic violence. While the Canada Labour Code now includes domestic violence leave, not all of it is paid leave. The PSAC believes that every worker should have access to 10 paid days of domestic violence leave. Governments at all levels – both as employers and as legislators – must take steps to ensure real action is taken to support victims of domestic violence.
30 years since the day that shocked our nation, the struggle continues. We will continue to be a part of this struggle in our communities and in our work as a union. On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, please consider attending an event in your community.
In solidarity,
Deb Kosteniuk
Regional Women's Committees Representative
Prairie Region Council
Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President, Prairies