Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to thank all involved for bringing this legislation forward. This really addresses a very serious issue that at its most serious, of course, can lead to severe consequences, most extreme would be suicide. It’s a national concern, but it is a concern, as well, in every community.
What is the role of schools and our educational system dealing with bullying is the question, given that they have considerable responsibilities already for educating our youth. I know there has been considerable discussion on that and I appreciate that.
Schools and the education system need to be part of our program, of our suite of programs to deal with bullying. I think it’s appropriate to bring legislation like this forward to help. But I also feel, fundamentally, that really dealing with bullying starts at home and with the parents and is largely, and always will be really, a responsibility of the parents, and school programs will be supplemental to that.
I do recall some lessons when I was a young sprout, which I was once, and participated with a bunch of others in teasing a hockey kid that had white skates, which I shared with committee. The next morning, to my chagrin, I found my hockey skates had been painted white. I had to wear them to three hockey games before I could go back to
the usual skates. Again, very effective measures can be in place at home, and should be. It is an important responsibility of parents.
The school needs some guidance on how to deal with bullying and I would say that this legislation provides a start. I emphasize that it is just a start. I am not aware of dollars going into this, but it is an important first step on a complicated issue. We know bullying is common in our schools, as I mentioned. I believe the national figures are greater than 70 percent of kids have experienced bullying. Simply defining it, in a way, has been challenging. This legislation makes a stab at that including cyber-bullying. It also provides measures, as the Minister mentioned, like code of conduct, safe school plans and other measures. I think it does bring a bit of focus on dealing with the root cause, which is what is needed, not just disciplining with respect to bullying.
Again, I will leave it at that. I am supportive of this legislation and look forward to hearing any other comments on this and perspectives and will stay tuned on this issue. I think it is a first step. Ultimately, perhaps, resources might be needed, but I support where we are going right now. Mahsi.