Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to acknowledge the White Ribbon Campaign, an annual event which has spread across Canada, the United States, Australia, Europe and Central America, as a symbol of opposition to men�s violence against women.

The campaign which began on November 25, concludes tomorrow on the 11th anniversary of the massacre of 14 women at Montreal�s Ecole Polytechnique.

I am wearing a white ribbon as a personal pledge that I will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. I am also encouraging all members of this House to make this same commitment. Female members are encouraged to wear purple ribbons, which is the colour normally designated for anti-violence.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to working with communities to eliminate violence. A vision that will see the people of this province living in safe, caring communities where there is an inherent respect for each other, and where violence is unacceptable.

While the White Ribbon Campaign remains dedicated to reaching men and boys with a message of non-violence, it also continues to encourage fundraising for women�s shelters, rape crisis centres and transition houses.

I am pleased to support and commend the White Ribbon Campaign and reaffirm government�s commitment to addressing violence.

2000 12 05 1:55 p.m.