Mr. Speaker, today is the national day of remembrance and action to end violence against women.
It was five years ago today that 14 young women tragically lost their lives at l'École polytechnique de Montreal. Just as disturbing is that 51 per cent of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of violence by a man in their adult lives.
It is important that all Canadians reflect on what we can do to eliminate violence against women in our society. We can all make a difference in committing to a principle of zero tolerance. Whether through the support for services to victims, working with local transition houses, shelters, rape crisis centres or by raising awareness within the community we can send a message that such violence is not acceptable.
Violence against women is a reality of our society that must be changed. Let us all work together in the House to realize that change.