Mr. Speaker, today is Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Parliament established this day to remember the tragic deaths of 14 young women at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. These victims were targeted simply because they were women. Today also serves to remind Canadians that violence and the threat of violence are daily realities for so many women and girls, and that gender-based violence is not just a woman's issue. It affects all of us and we must all be part of the solution.
I urge all Canadians to take action, observe a minute of silence, wear a white ribbon or attend one of the many vigils being held across our country. Let us all work together so women and girls can live free of violence.