Mr. Speaker, December 6 will be the 19th anniversary of the massacre at the École polytechnique in Montreal, one of the worst acts of violence against women in the history of Canada.
The issue of violence against women is important to me as a Métis woman and a mother of five. I was a police officer for almost 19 years and I have seen first-hand the devastation that it renders.
It was my desire to do more to help victims that inspired me to run, and I am proud to be part of a Conservative government that has a plan to address violence against women, including ensuring justice for victims.
Yesterday marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of 16 days of activism against violence to women.
Let us, during the next 15 days, have a thought for victims of violence all over the world. Let us not settle for merely reaffirming our commitment to put an end to violence against women, but let us also take steps to eradicate it from the lives of women and girls.