National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Submitted by SLC Communications

December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada — a day established by Parliament in response to the tragic murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989. This tragedy shook our country and continues to remind us of the urgent need to end gender-based violence. 

This day is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those we have lost to it, and it is also a call to action. Becoming a Canada free from gender-based violence requires all of us to: 

• Educate ourselves and our communities about gender-based violence 
• Centre the voices of survivors in our actions 
• Speak up against harmful behaviours wherever we see them 
 
Barry Botham, Professor of Skilled Trades at SLC, recently reached out to colleagues following the tragic murder of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old Skilled Trades worker from Cokato, Minnesota, urging tangible action toward ending gender-based violence.

He shared this powerful message: 
“At SLC, we teach and employ hundreds of tradespeople every year. If each of us—faculty and apprentices—takes a moment to be a positive role model in the workplace, that’s a meaningful start. Everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe. Do your part. Be the person who makes a positive difference. Together, we can create a safer, more respectful world—on campus, on the job, and in life.” 

One way to show your commitment is by participating in the White Ribbon Campaign, a movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, to promote gender equity, healthy relationships, and a new vision of masculinity. Wearing a white ribbon symbolizes remembrance, awareness, and a commitment to ending gender-based violence. 

We encourage everyone to wear a white ribbon and engage in conversations that foster learning and change. Together, we can make a difference. 

For more information and support:    
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Government of Canada   
Ending Violence Association of Canada   
Canadian Women’s Foundation    
Assaulted Women’s Hotline   
Fem’aide (French only)    
Courage to Act   
 
Campus Support    
SLC Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (tri-campus)   
SLC Student Wellness and Accessibility (tri-campus)    
Belonging, People and Culture (tri-campus)   
 
Kingston   
Sexual Assault Centre Kingston (SAC Kingston)   
   
Brockville    
Brockville Assault Response & Care Centre (ARCC)   
 
Cornwall    
Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Akwesasne