Posted on 01 December 2009
OTTAWA – As Canadians prepare to honour the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Liberal senators reminded the government of the precarious conditions still faced by many women in our country and abroad, and the challenges we must take on in order to improve their social conditions.
On December 6th, Canada commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, marking the 20th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, when 14 young women were murdered because of their gender.
Senators Callbeck, Carstairs, Dallaire, Dyck and Fraser called the Harper government to account for its lack of leadership in reducing violence against women in Canada, and its absence from this debate on the world stage. The Harper government talks “tough on crime”, but in reality has done little to prevent abuse and violence against women.
Senator Lillian Dyck recalled the terrible events behind this National Day of Remembrance. "On the anniversary of a dark day in our history, we are reminded of some crucial and disturbing facts," said Senator Dyck. "Most importantly, individuals exposed to an environment and culture of abuse may begin to accept this treatment as normal, and then reverse that behavior on others. This is unacceptable in our society."
Senator Sharon Carstairs drew attention to violence against senior women, and called on the government to establish a national caregivers’ strategy. The strategy would provide for proper training for caregivers, and much needed respite care facilities to help exhausted family caregivers and their loved ones. "When will this government recognize its responsibility in establishing a national caregivers’ strategy as recommended by the Senate Special Standing Committee on Aging?" asked Senator Carstairs.
Senator Roméo Dallaire reminded his colleagues of the terrible violence directed against women in war-torn regions of the world. He decried the increasing persecution of women who are victims of crimes against humanity. "In this new era of conflict within imploding nations, two new weapons are increasingly prevalent: rape as a weapon of war, and child soldiers, forty percent of whom are girls. Empowering women and girls is the best way to prevent and combat these crimes against humanity related to gender," said Senator and retired General Dallaire.
The Harper government’s lack of leadership in the worldwide debate on violence against women was criticized by Senator Catherine Callbeck, who noted the government’s absence from international meetings on the topic. "When the G8 had its first international conference on violence against women in September, the Government of Canada was not there – no Minister, no Ambassador, no one. We were the only G8 country without a representative. That’s shameful," charged Senator Callbeck.
Liberal senators came together today to remind the government that if Canadians are to see an end to violence against women, our federal government must take action now, both at home and abroad.