This release was issued under a previous government.
In 1989, 14 female engineering students were killed at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal, simply because they were women. Sadly, violence against women and girls continues today. Domestic violence in Alberta is more than twice the national average, and it’s primarily perpetrated by men against women. In the last few months, 10 women in Alberta have been killed by their current or former intimate partners.
“Gender-based violence affects us all. Chances are we all know a woman who has been or will be assaulted in her lifetime. And it’s preventable. I call on all Albertans to stand together to end all forms of violence again women and girls.”
The Alberta government established the Status of Women ministry to improve gender equality in Alberta. Work is also being done across ministries to improve conditions for women and girls. This includes creating stable funding for shelters and second-stage housing, increasing the minimum wage and working to protect gender expression and gender identity under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
"Twenty-six years later we remember the women who lost their lives at l’École Polytechnique. We also reflect on what we can do as a government and community for those who continue to face gender-based violence. We can and must do more to improve the lives of women in Alberta.”
Where to go for help:
- Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger
- Call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 if you suspect that someone is experiencing family violence
- Bullying Help Line: 1-888-456-2323
- Sexual Assault Centres:
- 780-482-HELP (north)
- 403-266-HELP (south)