McLeod — A day to respect one another as equals
Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, on Dec. 6, 1989, a horrific crime took place:
MP Cathy McLeod
14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were brutally murdered.
On that awful day, their lives were senselessly ended, along with the hopes
and dreams they had for the future. In shared sorrow, families across our
country hugged their daughters a little tighter that night.
The tragic events of that day brought a new focus in our society on violence against women, yet well over two decades have passed since then, and many challenges still remain. Sadly, Status of Women Canada must continue to focus on initiatives to address gender-based violence across the country.
This includes engaging men and boys to understand that gender-based violence is not acceptable or normal behaviour. While we cannot and probably never will be able to make sense of the crimes of that day, we must continue working to ensure that they never happen again.
On this anniversary, let us resolve to respect one another and value each
other as equals.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod
In the House of Commons, Dec. 5, 2014.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
On Dec. 6, 1989, a horrific crime took place. Yet well over two decades have passed since then, and many challenges still remain. Actually, dear Cathy, the challenges have increased. Violence, regardless of its manifestations, is usually symptomatic of deeper troubles. Mental health for example is one gigantic issue which is in need of dire attention through increased findings for immediate intervention and much needed research. Unfortunately, dear Cathy, your government is mostly concerned with ideological warfare and ever-increasing corporate welfare. The country as a whole is not well-served in this present political climate. Let me say once again not only the challenges remain, they are increasing. An occasional short speech in the House of Commons is certainly not the resolve I expect from my elected representative. The “resolve to respect one another and value each other as equals” should not be convened in words alone, action is needed. However, action “to respect one another and value each other as equal” is something your government is ideologically unprepared to deliver.
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I remember Dec 6 1989 like it was yesterday. Being a université de Montréal student and a woman, it is forever a part of my life and the life of millions of others. I will never forget them.
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