Today@Dal

December 1
World Aids Day (UN)
This is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. On December 1 every year, the world comes together to commemorate World AIDS Day. The theme for World AIDS Day has been determined by the World AIDS Campaign since 1997.

December 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN)
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, December 3, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982.

December 6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of fourteen young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women. As well as commemorating the fourteen young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Halifax Explosion Memorial Day
The Halifax Explosion occurred on Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia was devastated by the huge detonation of a French cargo ship, fully loaded with wartime explosives that had accidentally collided with a ship set for Belgium in “The Narrows” section of the Halifax Harbour. Approximately 2,000 people (mostly Canadians) were killed by debris, fires, or collapsed buildings and it is estimated that over 9,000 people were injured. This is still one of the world’s largest man-made, conventional explosions to date.