National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On December 6, take a pause to recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

December 6, 2018, marks 29 years since the 1989 murder of 14 women at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal.
As we remember the 13 engineering students and one worker who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 by an act of gender-based violence, we also commemorate all the missing and murdered Aboriginal women, transgender women, and each and every woman whose lives have been harmed or lost to gender-based violence.
This year, Canada’s unions are taking action to specifically address gender-based violence in the workplace. Violence and harassment are a daily reality for far too many workers in Canada. The #MeToo movement has demonstrated how gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, remain a significant barrier for women, trans and gender diverse workers. Canada’s unions are calling for government action to prevent and stop violence and harassment at work.
In Canada, governments are now recognizing gender-based harassment and violence as an issue that requires action in every workplace. Earlier this fall, workers in the federal sector and those living in Newfoundland and Labrador won paid domestic violence leave. That brings to five the number of provinces where paid domestic violence leave exists.
In Nova Scotia, the Federation is lobbying for paid domestic violence leave.
Domestic violence can affect women whether they’re working or not, and regardless of their education level, socio-economic or cultural background. As well as the physical and psychological damage it causes, the financial impacts of domestic violence on the lives of women and children can be devastating, and continue long after they have escaped the violence. A few paid days off from work can change — or even save — lives.
Nova Scotia has an opportunity to raise the bar for other Canadian jurisdictions by establishing 10 days of paid leave, and recognizing domestic violence as a workplace hazard. The labour movement is ready to work with the government and employers to get this right.
There are events being held across Nova Scotia and we hope you will attend them if you are able.
Events in Nova Scotia

Halifax event on December 6 begins at 5:15 pm at the Halifax Public Library on Spring Garden for the outside vigil – Afterwards we will go inside to Paula Reagan Hall where there will be speakers and a showing of movie Polytechnique and a closing.

Yarmouth – 5 pm in Frost Park (Storm location is Yarmouth Town Hall – Meet at the Yarmouth Town Hall and a candlelight vigil will proceed to the monument in Frost Park. A few short words and songs to commemorate the national Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Organized by the South West Labour Group and Tri-Counties Women’s Centre.

Middleton – 7 pm vigil will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Stellarton – 10 am vigil to be held at the NSCC Pictou Campus gymnasium in Stellarton.
Acadia University – Women’s & Gender Studies invite members of the Acadia University community and the community at large to the Annual December 6th Vigil to commemorate Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at the Wolfville Farmers Market, 24 Elm Avenue, Wolfville.

New Glasgow will host National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women –
Not so Silent Vigil from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at 135 Provost St., New Glasgow (former Lolly’s location)
Join us for an evening of musical, literary and dramatic performances followed by an Open Mic. This event will speak about The issue of Violence Against Women and celebrate the many beautiful, brave and fabulous women in our lives.

Bridgewater – Candlelight vigil at 6 pm at Shipyard Landing Gazebo, 210 King St., Bridgewater. In case of inclement weather, location: HB Studios, 543 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater. Hosted by the Second Story Women’s Centre, South Shore Labour Council, Harbour House and Be the Peace Institute.

Sydney- 7 pm vigil at the Every Women’s Centre on 21 Trinity Avenue.