Mr. Speaker, while International Women's Day offers us an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, I would like to draw the attention of the members to a more sobering topic: violence against women.
Since 2002, an estimated 12 young women in Canada have lost their lives in so-called honour killings. They were killed for supposedly having brought disgrace upon their families.
In 2007, spousal violence represented 94% of Canada's crime.
In 61% of cases reported to police, more than one violent incident had occurred.
In addition to being more likely to experience spousal violence, 54% of aboriginal women will be victims of the most severe forms of violence compared with 37% of non-aboriginal women.
Let us also recall that more than 600 aboriginal women have been declared missing, and the Conservatives refuse to launch an inquiry.
We need to put an end to this scourge.