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CAUT Statement on December 6

Violence against women and girls is not just a women’s issue but a societal issue. It is the world’s largest and most persistent human rights violation, and Canada is no exception. Over 50% of Canadian women will experience violence at some point in their lives.

Yet, as we approach the 20th anniversary of December 6, 1989, the federal conservative government fails to have in place a national action plan to end violence against women and girls and continues to deny the real economic, social and political lives of Canadian women. 

Since coming to power, the Harper government has dismantled Status of Women Canada, eliminated funding for women’s advocacy, removed ‘equality’ from the Women’s Program mandate and ended a universal child care program. Latest announcements have included their intention to roll back pay equity when many women continue to earn an average of 71 cents on the dollar. 

On December 6, we must not only remember the women murdered at l'École Polytechnique but also renew our resolve to reverse the steps of the Harper government and to create a society in which all people can live safe and healthy lives.