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December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a solemn day across Canada and within the labour movement. On this day in 1989, 14 young women at Montréal’s École Polytechnique were murdered in a targeted act of gender-based violence. Their names remind us of the ongoing fight for safety, equality, and justice:
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
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Their lives were full of promise, and their loss continues to echo across the country. As a union committed to equity and human rights, we pause not only to remember these women but also to acknowledge the countless others, primarily women and gender-diverse people, who continue to face gender-based violence in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
White ribbons may be worn with your work uniform on December 6 under the Company Uniform Standards as a way to remember the 14 women who died. Please contact your Women's Advocate (listed below) to get your white ribbon.
Unifor's Intimate Partner Violence Campaign
Unifor’s comprehensive intimate partner violence campaign is pushing governments to officially recognize the devastation of IPV as an epidemic across the country. Building on the Nova Scotia declaration last year, we hosted a successful symposium in New Brunswick, followed just two days later by a motion declaring IPV an epidemic in their legislature. This vital work will continue with a third symposium held on November 28 in St. John’s NL, and we will not stop until every province acts.
Our work is far from over.
Femicides are on the rise across Canada, and we know that protecting women from violence must be a national priority. Governments must act urgently by committing to the following:
- Declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and dedicate funding to prevention programs, shelters, and survivor supports.
- Strengthen workplace protections, increase domestic violence leave, and ensure employers provide access to resources and supports.
- Invest in equity, education, and prevention to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
- Recognize unions as frontline partners in building safer workplaces and communities.
Unifor’s Women’s Advocate Program
Unifor is a national leader in workplace support for those affected by domestic and gender-based violence. The Women’s Advocate Program provides specially trained advocates within workplaces who offer confidential support, referrals, and resources to members experiencing violence or harassment.
Women’s Advocates are not counsellors but trusted peers trained to recognize warning signs, provide safety planning information, and help connect members to community services. Their presence ensures that no member faces violence alone.
This program is recognized across Canada as a best practice in workplace safety and is a powerful example of how the labour movement can lead change.
Local 531 Women’s Advocates
Our Local is proud to have three Women’s Advocates available to support members with compassion, confidentiality, and dignity. These advocates are trained through Unifor’s national program and serve as accessible points of contact for anyone needing assistance or information.
In Vancouver, contact Ashley Haines at @email or (604)219-2771
In Calgary, contact Tracy-Lynne MacLellan at @email or (403) 700-2145
In Toronto, contact Donnarie Evans at @email or (416) 717-4994
Their role is critical. They help create safer workplaces, promote awareness, and ensure members have access to the support they deserve.
A Call to Action
As we remember the 14 women whose lives were taken in Montréal, we reaffirm our commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms. This requires:
- Advocating for safer workplaces
- Supporting survivors with care and confidentiality
- Confronting harmful attitudes and behaviours
- Investing in education and prevention
- Continuing to expand workplace protections and community partnerships
Add your name to help declare gender-based violence an epidemic in BC by clicking on this link
To see what Ontario is doing, click on this link and click on this link to sign the petition.
Events
Vancouver
December 5 at SFU - Burnaby and Surrey Campus
Toronto
December 6 - The Women Won't Forget Candlelight Vigil
Calgary
December 5 at SAIT Main Campus
Unifor Local 531 stands in solidarity with survivors and recommits to creating environments where everyone—regardless of gender—can work and live safely, free from violence and discrimination. On December 6, we remember. And together, we act.