Statement by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women issued the following statement today to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

"Canadians remember vividly where they were when they heard the tragic news of the heinous murder of 14 young women at L'École Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989 - a date seared into our memories forever.

"All forms of violence against women and girls are unacceptable and are a serious violation of Canadian laws. And, this is why we have recently invested in initiatives to engage men and boys to take action to end violence against women and girls as well as on projects to ensure students are safe and secure when advancing their post-secondary education.

"Our government has also taken action to end practices such as so-called "honour crimes", female genital mutilation and forced marriages.

"Ending violence against women and girls is not something government can do on its own. On this day let us all join hands together and take action to ensure women and girls live free of violence in their homes and communities."

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada