The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, issued the following statement to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the terrible tragedy at the École Polytechnique de Montréal:

“December 6, 1989 will forever be engraved in the history of Quebec. We must remember that 32 years ago, 14 women, 14 girls were murdered simply because they were women. We have a duty to remember these victims, their loved ones, their families, their colleagues, but also all victims of gender-based violence.

“Despite this tragedy, women are still the main victims of violence, even now in 2021. This year alone, over 10 women were killed by their partners in Quebec. We must fight against hatred and violence against women in all its forms, including harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

“We must denounce unacceptable behaviour, teach our children and our loved ones to respect one another, and set an example. Every action contributes to making our society more just, more egalitarian, and more humane. Today, the entire population of Quebec remembers the victims of Polytechnique. This kind of tragedy must never happen again.”