Mr. Speaker, today, December 6, is the day that all parties in the House have unanimously proclaimed national day of remembrance and action on violence against women.
These young women were smart, ambitious and hardworking. They had much to contribute to their families and to their country. All this was stolen from them in a burst of gunfire.
Today, 14 red roses have been placed at the entrance of the Chamber. Each rose represents the life of a young woman, a life full of promise, a life full of dreams, a life cut short by a horrifying act of violence by a man who voiced the old hidden belief that women do not have the right to equal status in a man's world.
The tragedy was a catalyst for action and the rose has become a symbol in memory of the women who died. It appears on the YWCA buttons sold each year as part of its campaign to address violence against women. It appears on the Canadian Labour Congress lapel pin as part of its new campaign.
Every year, since 1989, increasing numbers of individuals and organizations have joined forces with women's groups and other community organizations in order to bring about social change. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Quebec women's federation-many people are trying to make a difference in their community.
Our government is also a partner for change. Last week the Minister of Justice announced the government's intention to ban the type of gun that was used in Montreal. Firearms control is a life and death issue for women. In the new proposals anyone
charged with criminal harassment such as stalking will temporarily be prohibited from owning a firearm.
A national firearms registry would have enormous advantages. When responding to a domestic violence call, police would know if there was a registered firearm at the address in question.
Last year, Statistics Canada reported that, based on the definition of violence in the Criminal Code, half of Canadian women have been victims of violence in their adult life, often more than once. Men they know pose more of a danger to them than strangers.
The foundation of the federal government's multifaceted approach to violence against women in Canadian society is legislation, giving protection under the law. We have made this a priority. It is part of the solution, clearly our part. We are also working in new ways to facilitate community action.
I am pleased to have tabled today the publication entitled "Community Stories: Taking Action on Violence Against Women". It chronicles the experience of 10 communities that took part in a demonstration project of a community kit on violence against women. Both community stories and the community kit are tremendous resources for grassroots action in our own neighbourhoods. They are a source of inspiration on what is possible.
There are many other excellent resources available today for increased safety and security for all women in the workplace, in municipalities and in relationships. Violence against women is simply unacceptable. We must work together to change attitudes and behaviour that give rise to these acts, to these terrible tragedies.
Gender violence does not just threaten women; it threatens their families, their loved ones and all of us. It tears at the very fabric of our society. We need to act not just for ourselves but for our daughters and our granddaughters. It is for their right to walk safely and earn fairly anywhere in our Canada.