Mr. Speaker, on December 6, Canadians paused to remember the 14 women from Montreal's École Polytechnique. Every day, women endure countless acts of violence, just because they are women. December 6 is a day of mourning and a reminder that we must take action.
In Nanaimo—Cowichan, the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society is taking action. During its 16 days of activism against gender violence, its members are speaking out against violence and are speaking up for women. Organizations such as CWAV and the Haven Society are raising awareness and are providing support for women who have experienced violence.
Violence against women is often compounded by poverty. Food banks do their part by helping women who face violence access food and clothing.
I thank the Cowichan Women Against Violence, the Haven Society and the food banks in Nanaimo—Cowichan for the work they do to support women and their children who have experienced violence. Together we must continue to take action to eliminate the violence that so many women face on a daily basis.