National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada

Dear colleagues,

December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. This solemn day commemorates the 1989 cole Polytechnique massacre in Montréal, where 14 women were murdered in an act of gender-based hatred. We remember and honour the memory of:

• 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

This day is a reminder of the ongoing realities of gender-based violence in Canada, violence that occurs both offline (physical, verbal, and psychological abuse) and online (harassment, threats, misogyny, and toxic behaviour across digital platforms). Too many women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community experience harm in workplaces, at home, in public spaces, and on social networks. Online abuse and toxic digital speech can cause deep trauma, isolate individuals, and create environments of fear or silence. Across every setting, combating gender-based violence in all its forms requires continued learning, vigilance, and collective action.

On December 6, Canadians are encouraged to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of remembrance and commitment to ending violence. Federal buildings across the country, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, fly the flag at half-mast, and many observe a minute of silence to honour the victims. The White Ribbon Campaign, which was founded in Toronto in 1991, remains a global movement inviting men and boys to be allies and advocates for change.

At Parks Canada, we each have a role in creating and maintaining workplaces that are inclusive, safe, and respectful. This includes denouncing toxic behaviours and recognizing that harassment and violence can occur verbally, physically, digitally, or through any conduct or comment that could reasonably cause offence, humiliation, or physical or psychological harm. Speaking up, supporting others, and refusing to normalize harmful behaviour are critical steps in violence prevention.

All team members are encouraged to take concrete action by completing the mandatory Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace for Employees training courses WMT101 and WMT102, and by reviewing the updated Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Standard. We also ask team members to remain aware of risks and behaviours in both online and in-person environments by promoting respectful interactions, challenging harmful or inappropriate conduct, and using safe communication practices. Team members can access confidential support, guidance, and tools through the Centre of Expertise in Prevention and Resolution of Harassment and Violence in the Workplace, which is available to assist in creating and maintaining safe, respectful workplaces for all.

Reminder to managers: In keeping with Parks Canada’s procedures for communications with employees, managers are responsible for ensuring all team members under their responsibility receive the information intended for them. It is important that you find a means to transmit this message and, if any, the attachment(s) to employees without access to Parks Canada e-mail or the intranet, e.g. by posting it, circulating a paper copy or by any other appropriate means.