On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we remember those who have been murdered in acts of gender-based violence and commit to taking collective action to end violence against women in Canada.  

36 years ago, the lives of 14 women were taken at École Polytechnique — just because they were women. This was a targeted act of violence against women seeking an education. In 2024 alone, 187 women and girls were killed by violence in Canada. 

On December 6, we honour these women and all those who are killed in acts of gender-based violence, but we must also continue to ensure that adequate action is taken to prevent violence and harm towards all. 

Taking action against gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility. 

It's our responsibility as a union 

As a national collective of workers, it is our responsibility to ensure women feel safe at work and in their communities. However, we know that women workers face disproportionate levels of sexual harassment and violence at work. A 2024 survey by StatsCan showed that 94% of survey respondents who reported experiencing sexual harassment at work were women, with Indigenous, Black and other racialized workers, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, and workers with disabilities being more likely to experience harassment than other groups. 

Women workers who have experienced harassment on-the-job often don’t get the support they need due to inaction by management, or fears of negative impacts to their career and reprisals by managers for reporting incidents of harassment.  

PSAC continues to push for better training on workplace sexual harassment and violence prevention policies and stronger legislation that supports survivors of harassment and assault and ensures women are protected. As a union, we are committed to fighting for the protection of all workers regardless of their identity.  

It’s the government’s responsibility as policy makers 

Vital programs to prevent and address gender-based and domestic violence cannot exist without adequate funding. Cuts to public services threaten the resources these programs need to survive.  

While the 2025 federal budget proposes $223.4 million in funding over five years to strengthen federal action in response to gender-based violence, it included an overall 2% reduction in operating costs for Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), meaning potential job cuts for the workers who make these programs possible.  

The budget also had no mention of or any dedicated funding for addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit + (MMIWG2S+) individuals in Canada. This so-called “generational budget” leaves out any focused and sustained investments for future generations of Indigenous Peoples.  

It is unclear how cuts to WAGE funding will affect program delivery, service quality, and the government’s ability to meet its commitments under both the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan and the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Organizations across Canada have named gender-based violence as an epidemic and given the federal government tangible steps it can take to stop it.  

The federal government must listen to those on the frontlines of the femicide crisis: the recommendations from the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the Mass Casualty Commission, the Renfrew County Inquest, and the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund’s (LEAF) 2024 report outline what can be done to meaningfully address gender-based violence at the federal level. But without adequate funding and attention to WAGE, these recommendations risk being ignored, disproportionately impacting Indigenous, Black and racialized women, women with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ women, and all women across Canada. 

It’s our responsibility as community members  

Gender-based violence is a societal problem that impacts everyone. But this also means that each of us can be a part of the solution. 

By coming together and taking action against gender-based violence and harassment, we have the collective power to build a safer society built on community care and gender equality.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, support is available. Visit Ending Violence Canada for a list of national and provincial crisis lines and resources. 

In memory of 

Geneviève Bergeron 

Hélène Colgan 

Nathalie Croteau 

Barbara Daigneault 

Anne-Marie Edward 

Maud Haviernick 

Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz 

Maryse Laganière 

Maryse Leclair 

Anne-Marie Lemay 

Sonia Pelletier 

Michèle Richard 

Annie St-Arneault 

Annie Turcotte