Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, as well, would like to thank Mr. Dolynny and Mr. Yakeleya for bringing this motion to the floor. I think we’ve had an excellent expression of varying views on bullying today. I think it’s created a very good awareness both in the House and outside of the House. I think the event of having the students here and our statements will be very educational to many people. I think we’ve also created maybe one or two budding radio and TV stars with the media activity that was happening upstairs before the House.
Society as a whole is impacted by bullying, even bullies themselves. Through their own actions and the inaction of others, people learn that antisocial behaviour and exerting control over others – whether it be verbal, physical, social, e-mail or so on – is acceptable and that it works. We all, everybody has a role to play in making that kind of behaviour unacceptable and that, in turn, will create safer communities.
Our schools are, as usual, ahead of the government. There are many programs happening in the various schools across the territory and in the education authorities. My own experience has been with Yellowknife Education District No. 1. That board has had a Safe Schools Policy since the early 1990s. I was a part of helping to develop that particular policy that is now pervasive through all of YK1 schools. Other boards, as well, I know are doing activities on bullying, but they are doing it in isolation. It’s not a concerted and coordinated effort across the territory. That’s what we need and that’s what this motion asks for. Our schools recognize
the issue and the problem. I reiterate that we, as a government, have to do the same.
The negative effects of bullying are well known. They’re listed in the whereases of the motion. It has a huge impact on any individual who is bullied and it’s something that we have to take action to try and stop. A territory-wide campaign which is called for in the motion, to my mind, is a way to do that and to start to defeat the negative aspects of bullying.
I also agree very strongly that legislation is needed. In Alberta – I mentioned Alberta in my statement – we’re not Alberta but we are somewhat like Alberta. We are similar. In Alberta, 80 to 90 percent of their residents felt that family violence and bullying should be a priority or both of those should be priorities for their government. I suspect if we did a survey of NWT residents, we would come up with a very similar figure.
Alberta has started action and I feel very strongly that it is time for us to start action. This motion calls for a coordinated campaign of educational awareness. It also calls for legislation. I fully support both of those actions. I encourage all Members to support this particular motion, even those on the other side of the House.