VICTORIA—New Democrat Leader Carole James released the following statement marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“Twenty years ago today, 14 women at École Polytechnique de Montréal were murdered because of their gender. It was a shocking act that forced our nation to face the harsh reality of violence against women. Carole James

“On December 6, we honour these women by observing a National Day of Remembrance. But we must do more than remember them – we must stand together as British Columbians and resolve to commit to a future free of violence against women.

“I join with all British Columbians today in observing a moment of silence to honour the memory of: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.”