Remembering December 6th
Posted
December 5, 2025
The December 6th Day of Remembrance in Canada, officially known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, is a significant day that honours the memory of the 14 women who were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989.
December 6th is both a memorial and a call to action, reminding us of the need to build a safer, more equitable society for all. Unions are at the forefront of this work.
HSA members work all over the province in transition houses, family service agencies, and community health organizations, supporting people who have experienced gender-based violence. Thank you for the difficult and important work you do that makes a difference in many people’s lives.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has highlighted a study on the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workforce, which outlines that the sector faces similar challenges as other diverse, majority woman-identified workforces, including financial precarity due to low wages and employment insecurity. The report also notes that GBV work is trauma-exposed work that carries significant occupational health and safety risks, and GBV organizations carry out multiple roles, including filling gaps in communities and stepping in to provide services where none exist.
December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which begins every year on November 25 and concludes on International Human Rights Day on December 10. It follows the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. On these dates and throughout the year, HSA encourages members to take action against all forms of gender-based violence by attending a vigil or event to commemorate the day.
December 6th is both a memorial and a call to action, reminding us of the need to build a safer, more equitable society for all. Unions are at the forefront of this work.
HSA members work all over the province in transition houses, family service agencies, and community health organizations, supporting people who have experienced gender-based violence. Thank you for the difficult and important work you do that makes a difference in many people’s lives.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has highlighted a study on the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workforce, which outlines that the sector faces similar challenges as other diverse, majority woman-identified workforces, including financial precarity due to low wages and employment insecurity. The report also notes that GBV work is trauma-exposed work that carries significant occupational health and safety risks, and GBV organizations carry out multiple roles, including filling gaps in communities and stepping in to provide services where none exist.
December 6 falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which begins every year on November 25 and concludes on International Human Rights Day on December 10. It follows the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. On these dates and throughout the year, HSA encourages members to take action against all forms of gender-based violence by attending a vigil or event to commemorate the day.
To honour the victims of this tragedy and commemorate the day, you can:
- Wear a white ribbon.
- Observe a moment of silence at 11 am.
- Learn more about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and how to get involved.
- Attend a vigil in your community.
Upcoming events around the province:
Surrey: There will be a candlelight vigil at 6:00 pm on December 6 at Holland Park hosted by the Public Service Alliance of Canada
Surrey: There will be a candlelight vigil at 6:00 pm on December 6 at Holland Park hosted by the Public Service Alliance of Canada
Salt Spring Island: Join Islanders Working Against Violence (IWAV) for a candlelight vigil at the Centennial Park gazebo at 4:30pm on December 6, 2025.
Nelson: The Nelson Violence Against Women in Relationships Committee invites the public to an interactive display to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Kamloops: A short ceremony, organized by the Kamloops and District Labour Council, will take place at 12:00 noon on December 6 at Kamloops Heritage House to reflect, remember, and recommit to action for safety, equality, and justice.
Kamloops: A short ceremony, organized by the Kamloops and District Labour Council, will take place at 12:00 noon on December 6 at Kamloops Heritage House to reflect, remember, and recommit to action for safety, equality, and justice.
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