The Prince Edward Island Purple Ribbon Campaign was initiated by the Advisory Council on the Status of Women in 1991 to remember the 14 women who were murdered at L’École Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989, and to raise awareness about violence against women.

Each year, the Advisory Council joins many volunteers from across Prince Edward Island to work on the Purple Ribbon Campaign. Both Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Valerie Docherty, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women sincerely thank everyone involved with this campaign for their dedication and commitment in making this happen annually in our Province.

December 2008 marks the 17th year the Prince Edward Island Advisory Council on the Status of Women and its staff have organized the Purple Ribbon Campaign Against Violence. This year’s theme is Men, Take a Stand With Us. “This year’s theme is quite important,” says Premier Robert Ghiz. “It is very beneficial to engage men in the goal of preventing family violence. Men and women need to work together to eliminate violence against women.”

“I have personally spoken to male family members who are impacted by the violence against the women in their lives and passionately want to help,” says Minister Valerie Docherty. “This year's theme speaks to the fact that many men in our province want to take a stand with women against violence.”

For more information, please contact Michelle Harris-Genge, Director, Interministerial Women's Secretariat at (902) 368-5557.