Need remains for remembrance and action to stop violence against women

United Nurses of Alberta remembers the 14 female engineering students who were murdered at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989 by an act of gender-based violence. UNA recognizes and mourns the anniversary of this national tragedy.

December 6 represents an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the impact of violence against women in our society. Communities and individuals must speak out and all levels of government must continue to take meaningful steps to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls in Canada.

Working on the front lines of health care, Alberta’s nurses see the impact of violence against women, and sometimes experience it in their own workplaces and homes. This solemn occasion reminds us to renew our commitment as union members and citizens to seeking practical ways to end violence against women and girls in Canadian homes, communities and workplaces.

UNA is committed to creating safer workplaces for Alberta’s nurses, their patients and patients’ families through the work of Professional Responsibility Concerns, which give nurses the opportunity to raise their concerns about patient safety and to ensure that employer’s consider and respond to their concerns, and Occupational Health & Safety committees, which address health and safety in their workplaces.

UNA believes strongly that all of Alberta’s nurses have a right to safe workplaces and a responsibility to ensure rules are enforced to create a safe environment for our patients, residents, clients, and coworkers.