Lək̓ʷəŋən [LEKWUNGEN] TERRITORY / VICTORIA B.C. – Today, we remember the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique 35 years ago and reaffirm our commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
“The École Polytechnique massacre was an unspeakable tragedy, but also a call to action,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens. “Yet, decades later, women in Canada—and here in British Columbia—still face violence, discrimination, and systemic inequities.”
In BC, rates of femicide in 2022 were double the average between 2010 and 2015, according to Battered Women’s Support Services. Cyber violence is also a growing threat: a 2021 UN report found that nearly 73% of women globally have experienced online violence.
“Online violence against women stems from the same harmful attitudes that fuel physical violence,” Furstenau said. “The toll this takes on mental health, particularly among young women, is deeply concerning. Whether online or in person, gender-based violence must be confronted with urgency and action.”
We honour the resilience of women advocating for safer communities and urge governments to take decisive action by increasing funding for support services, addressing gaps in the justice system, and implementing education to challenge misogyny and prevent violence.
The BC Greens call for legislation to restrict the misuse of non-disclosure agreements that shield perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the establishment of a specialized task force to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, who face disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence.
“Ending violence against women requires systemic change,” said Furstenau. “We must listen to survivors, empower women and girls, and address the roots of inequality.”
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