Statement regarding National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women by Chief Charles Bordeleau

(Ottawa) – Today, the Ottawa Police Service commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Established in 1991 by Parliament, this day marks the anniversary of the tragic murders in 1989 of fourteen young women at L’École Polytechnique de Montréal.

They were targeted because they were women.

While remembering the loss of fourteen young lives, this day represents a time to pause and consider the impact of violence against women in our society. The Members of our Service stand with the women and girls who live daily with the threat of violence, and those who have died as a result of deliberate acts of violence. As a Service, and with our partners, we will continue to seek concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

One of those actions is holding the perpetrators of that violence to account.

As Chief, I have made violence against women one of this Service’s top priorities. It is not acceptable and it is not tolerated.

We all have a role to play in ending the violence and December 6th is a sombre reminder every year of the challenges we face. The collaborative work we do with the community is important in meeting these challenges.

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