December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Dear Members,
Tomorrow, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we pause to honour the lives lost to gender-based violence and to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more equitable world.
December 6 marks the anniversary of the 1989 Montréal Massacre at École Polytechnique, where 14 young women were targeted and killed simply because they were women. Thirty-five years later, we remember them, we say their names, and we carry forward the urgent call to end gender-based violence in all its forms.
Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, and Annie Turcotte.
As educators, we play a powerful role in shaping that future. Every lesson that fosters empathy, every conversation that validates a student’s voice, and every effort to create inclusive, respectful learning environments contributes to a world where women and girls can live free from violence. The work you do each day matters deeply.
Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your continued commitment to creating change - together.
For any questions, concerns, or simply a friendly chat, the Local ETFO Office is only a phone call away at 519-474-3150 or an email to etfotvtl [at] etfothamesvalley.com (etfotvtl[at]etfothamesvalley[dot]com) - we’re here to help.