Mr. Speaker, today marks the fifth anniversary of the terrible massacre of 14 young women at l'École polytechnique de Montreal. Once again the families and friends of those who were murdered will suffer the pain and anguish of that tragic day.
Our hearts go out to them as we here and all Canadians pause to remember those loved ones who were so cruelly and senselessly taken from them. Although not part of this tragedy, in far too many cases the use of alcohol fuels the drive to abuse or kill.
Recently the abuse of alcohol has unfortunately been allowed as an excuse for violent action against women. We in this place must ensure that the young women we remember today have not died in vain. Something must be done and done quickly to reverse the message that violence will be tolerated if intoxicated.
Today let all members rededicate themselves to removing violence from our society in whatever form it shows its ugly face.