Letter to the Editor

A generation has passed since the first National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It takes place on the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, during which 14 students and staff were killed because they were women.

Most of these promising young women have now been gone for a longer period of time than they lived. On Tuesday, I hope that all British Columbians will take time to remember and help keep their memory alive.

As a father and grandfather, I’ve tried to set a consistent example to the young men in my family – and I hope every man recognizes the power each of us has to shape and foster a safer, more respectful world for women and girls. Each of us can set an example for young people by how we speak to and about women and girls. We can each challenge those who voice hate. We can help those who face sexual or domestic violence – there are many good sources of information online. And we can each consider how we can give back, by volunteering with or donating to the many organizations involved in providing shelter, services and new hope to women and children affected by violence.

The approaches that police, post-secondary campuses and schools use to respond to ‘active shooter’ situations and other serious threats have come a long way since that tragic Dec. 6 in Montreal. But the fact that we need those approaches at all means we have work to do – critical work to change beliefs, attitudes and actions – if we’re to build a country that’s free of gender-based violence. I know that’s the world I want for my granddaughters, and I believe other men should want no less for the women and girls in their lives.”

Mike Morris,

B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

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