MONTREAL—Hundreds marched across the province on Saturday, giving a voice to the victims of violence. Parents of murdered children spoke about their pain and new government initiatives to help them cope.
In six cities, the show of solidarity delivered a clear message.
"Everybody's got to protect the kids. It’s about the future," said event organizer Isabelle Aubin.
Patrick Desautels, whose three young children were killed in December, walked silently in a sea of supporters. Little Lorelie, Loic and Anais were found dead in a home in Drummondville.
Their mother, Sonia Blanchette, faces murder charges.
Isabelle Gaston was also out marching for the cause. Her children were stabbed to death by their father, Guy Turcotte, in 2009. He was found not criminally responsible for their deaths and was released from the Pinel Institute in December.
Gaston wants to adopt a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to protecting children: If you see something, say something.
“I don't think you don't have the power to do something. It’s better to do something, better too much than too late,” said Gaston.
In Drummondville, a community hit so recently by violence, some 500 people showed up to support victims of violence and their families.
The march comes on the heels of a bill presented last month in the National Assembly. Parents of children killed by a criminal act would receive $12,000 in compensation—that's $10,000 more than they get now.
Also new, parents stripped of parental rights won't be able to claim any money. The money will help a family in its most difficult time, said Michel Surprenant, whose daughter Julie was kidnapped in 1999.
“When there’s a family drama like that, a criminal act, most families are not prepared and the drama drags on,” said Surprenant.
Many at the demonstrations said no amount of money can erase the pain of losing a child, but coping is easier when there's support.
“Together we can help better, we are stronger,” said Gaston.
