Released on December 6, 2016
In Canada, December 6 marks 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. The 14 students were purposely targeted because they were women. The commemoration date was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1991.
“For many women and girls, violence is a daily reality,” Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “This day is about remembering victims of gender-based violence, as well as how we as individuals and communities can work toward eliminating violence in Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world. We all have a role to play in standing up against gender-based violence.”
All MLA’s will wear the white ribbon as a symbol to mark the importance of December 6. The White Ribbon Campaign is a movement to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, symbolizing the commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
“We all have a responsibility to speak out and address violence against women and girls,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “We are working to create awareness and ensure the necessary programs and supports are in place to keep individuals, families and communities in Saskatchewan safe.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to finding effective solutions to reduce interpersonal violence and abuse and to build upon existing work between all levels of government and with community partners. Reducing interpersonal violence and abuse supports government’s priority of building a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people.
- During 2016-17, approximately $29 million is being provided to 83 agencies by the Ministry of Social Services to deliver programs and services that support women at risk of violence and abuse (e.g. crisis and after-hour services, emergency shelters and family support services).
- During 2016-17, up to $11.4 million will be provided by the Ministry of Justice to develop and operate 43 services delivered by 33 community-based organizations in 17 communities across Saskatchewan including the development and operation of new transition house services in Melfort.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306 787 3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca