Released on December 4, 2014
In Canada, December 6 has been designated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to commemorate the deaths of 14 female engineering students killed at Montreal’s l'École Polytechnique in 1989. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this tragic event, and Saskatchewan residents are joining with all Canadians today to reflect on violence against women in society.
“As we remember the loss of these 14 young women today, it is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence - and the threat of violence – are daily realities,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said. “Gendered violence is an issue that affects everyone, and we all play a role in ensuring that Saskatchewan women and girls can build their futures without the threat of violence.”
“What happened in Montreal 25 years ago is something we as a society must never forget,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “In Saskatchewan, we are committed to not only legislating protections, but also to exploring community-based options aimed at preventing violence to women and girls.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to finding realistic and effective solutions to reduce interpersonal violence and abuse, eliminate violence against women and girls, and build upon existing work between all levels of government and community partnerships:
- During 2014-15, more than $29 million is being provided to 83 agencies by the Ministry of Social Services to deliver programs and services that support women at risk.
- During 2014-15, up to $11 million will be provided to develop and operate 42 services delivered by 32 community-based organizations in 17 communities across Saskatchewan.
The Government of Saskatchewan works with other governments, police forces and community organizations to address the issue of violence against women. Examples include the Provincial Partnership Committee on Missing Persons, Inter-ministerial Committee on Interpersonal Violence and Abuse, Saskatchewan Towards Offering Partnership Solutions to Violence, community policing initiatives and community-based alternative measures programs.
Minister Harpauer distributed white ribbons to her Cabinet colleagues and all MLAs in the Legislature earlier this week. The white ribbons are a symbol of the wearer’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246